LECTURE LXXXV. THE FAITH OF A WOMAN WHO HAD LONG SUF- MARK V. 21-43. 21. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto Matt. ix. the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was 18-26. nigh unto the sea. 22. And behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23. And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live 24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment, 28. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. This is one of the miracles which sets before us the power of faith, and is therefore profitable, not Luke viii. 41-50. only for the conviction of those who saw it, but for the instruction and example of us for whom it is recorded. The woman had heard concerning Jesus, of the which he had shown, and the power which mercy he possessed she had so strong a persuasion of it as to say, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. A like persuasion must prevail in all who seek the benefit of his atonement. "He that cometh to God, must first believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." He that cometh to Christ, must first believe that he is the Son of God, and that "his blood cleans eth from all sin." Therefore he says to Jairus, (v. 36,) "be not afraid only believe." And in another case; "If thou canst believe; all things are possible to him that believeth." but I Together with this faith in his saving power, there must be the same personal application of it to ourselves. His "virtue," the virtue of his sacri fice, is not affected, whether it is sought or no; we must ask, that we may receive; we must seek, that we may find the benefit. His power to heal would have equally remained; but this woman would not have profited by it, unless she had pressed through the crowd, and touched the border: of his garment, saying to herself, If I do but touch his clothes, I shall be whole. Her conduct, then, is an example of that faith which claims for itself the blessing covenanted to us in baptism, applies the promises of the gospel, 1 Mark ix. 23. and seeks for remission of sin and acceptance with God through Christ the Saviour of the world. And what follows is the proof of its reward. This poor woman received an immediate cure. 29. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31. And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32. And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. There were many who crowded upon our Lord. But he at once distinguished the application which had been made in faith. He "said, Somebody hath touched me; for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me."2 In the same manner he distinguishes between those who bear his name, or profess his faith, but go no further than a name or a profession; and those who really feel their own wants, and understand his power, and exercise the privilege to which they are entitled, and seek deliverance by the virtue of his propitiation. To the eye of man there may often be as little difference, as there was to the eye 2 So St. Luke relates it. of the disciples between the multitude and this woman. They are baptized alike; they worship in the same church; they attend the same memorial of his death. But he discerns a difference, because he discerns the heart. He "knows his sheep," as he is known by them. He knows those who are really penitent, really humble before God, really desirous of living "righteously, soberly, and godly," really looking for the "blessed hope" of his second "glorious appearing." And such may take the comfort of the words, Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. be There is indeed a difference. This woman was immediately sensible of the mercy granted her. She felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. But the Christian has not always the same confidence, that he has received pardon of his sins. It may be better for him not to enjoy such assurance. That inward peace is the gift of the Holy Spirit; and, like other blessings, it may wisely and mercifully withheld from many who are objects of their Redeemer's tenderest care. They are, however, not less secure when fearing, than when rejoicing. He knows their faith, though he may keep them uncertain of their par don. Groundless fear, in such a case, is far preferable to groundless security. And as it often happens in nature, that a day of cloud and rain ends in a bright gleam of sunshine,- so, likewise, in the dispensations of grace, it sometimes pleases God that the soul which has lingered long in gloom and in heaviness, shall receive light at the conclusion of its earthly course; and when about to fall asleep, is enabled to go in peace, and to feel in itself that it has been healed of its plague. 35. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is déad, why troublest thou the Master any further? 36. As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.' 37. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John, and John the brother of James.* 38. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying 41. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi;5 which is, being interpreted, Damsel, 1 say unto thee, arise 42. And straightway the damsel arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. 3 Believe or rely on my power to save, and it shall be employed in your favour. As at his Transfiguration, Mark ix. 2; and his agony in the garden, Mark xiv. 33. 5 Two Syriac words, the language of the country. |