Read: Matthew 9:1-8; 18-22
Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” (v. 22)
My dad would lovingly say to me, “You’s a good daughter!” Instead of saying, “You’re,” he purposely used improper English followed by a sweet smile and often a peck on the cheek. I loved hearing him say this. It meant that I was his daughter; I belonged to him. This carried special importance because he adopted me as his own.
In our chapter today, when Jesus healed a man and woman, he used fatherly terms of endearment as he addressed them. He lovingly healed a paralyzed man both spiritually and physically saying, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven” (v. 2). Then, while Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus’ daughter, he was interrupted by a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Jesus became aware that power had left him when she touched his robe. Instead of being annoyed by this interruption, he sought her and said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well” (v. 22).
As a father knows the needs of his children, Jesus knew the needs of this son and daughter. He made them both well.
Do you know Jesus’ love for you, his child? Where do you seek healing in your soul? Know that you are a son or daughter so loved by him. May you hear Jesus as he calls you his son or daughter today. May your soul be made well. —Nancy Boote
As you pray, rest in Jesus’ love for you as his child.
About the Author
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband.
