18 While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples. 20 And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; 21 for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” 22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.

His reputation continued to grow with more and more people seeking Him for healing. An “official” now comes to Jesus with a concern for his daughter. The original Greek does not specifically identify the sphere over which he ruled, but I agree with those who see the reference to a synagogue leader (as the NASB indicates). Like Nicodemus (John 3), this man was one of the few who approached the Lord on favorable, though secret grounds. Unlike the case with Nicodemus, we don’t know if this man was a Pharisee or a Sadducee (the two main religio-political parties of the Jews). What we do know is that he had a need and was intentional in bringing Jesus to bear on that need.

His faith is clear. Jesus had the ability to heal his daughter just by laying a hand on her. Reminiscent of the Roman centurion (8:5), this official’s faith is the focus. In contrast with Jesus’ dealings with the centurion (8:10), Jesus makes no comment about being amazed at this man’s faith. When Gentiles showed faith Jesus marveled, but with the Jewish people faith was expected.

The need, of course, concerns the ruler’s daughter. At the man’s request, Jesus began to follow him. While on the way, the compassion of Christ, which shows no favoritism, resulted in a small change of plans. Another individual’s need intrudes into the story. This one was a woman with a bleeding problem, a uniquely feminine problem, but in her case a particularly distressing problem. Obviously she was not home bound, but able to be about in public, at least making the effort to find Jesus in the midst of a crowd.

While the official sought the touch of the Master’s hand on his daughter, this woman herself sought to touch the Master. She had complete confidence in what might be considered the “passive power” of the Lord. Jesus rewarded her faith with miraculous healing. She took the initiative, and healing was immediate. The Lord’s healing was not confined to specific rituals, formulas or techniques. The thing that was constant was faith.

Lord, You have left me with certain difficulties and ailments so that my faith will grow. I don’t want formulas or techniques. I want to touch You by faith.