Contemplative Bible Reading

Matthew 14:34-36 (New Living Translation)

34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

Have you ever begged a doctor to look at someone you loved who was sick? I haven’t. Doctors are just here; hospitals are just here. You go to them and that is that.

I try to imagine the scene described in these verses.

A man bursts through the crowd to be within shouting distance of Jesus. His eyes are on fire and he screams as loud as he can, “Jesus, come over here. My son can’t walk, he can’t reach you. Come over here so he can touch the edge of your robe with his fingertips!”

That is all crazy, but that expresses the desperation that we should all have who come to the Savior and ask for the gracious gift of forgiveness. I try to imagine that desperation as well. God, help my unbelief.