Matthew 9:20-21

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak.  She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.”

In each of the stories in Matthew 9, Jesus had mercy on individuals suffering from various conditions.  In each case Jesus was merciful, but also, in each case the individual mentioned responded to God’s mercy by pursuing Jesus.  The paralytic had friends carry him to Christ, Matthew had to get up and follow the Lord, the ruler whose daughter had died pursued Jesus and the two blind men cried out “have mercy on us.” Perhaps the best example of pursuing God’s mercy is the woman who suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years (vs 20-22).  The Scriptures tell us that she reached out and touched the hem of his garment and she was healed.  What was this hem?  The Jews have traditionally worn a garment called a tallit.  On the four corners of the tallit are tassels called Tzi Tziot.  These tassels on the hem of the garment were tied in such as way as to represent the 613 commandments of the Old Testament.  By desiring to touch the Tzi Tziot of Jesus garment, this woman was saying that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant.  What needs do you have in your life?  Reach out and touch the hem of his garment today.  Pursue mercy!