TAKE HEART

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Woman with bleeding

i) 20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (Matthew 9:20-22 NIV)

1. What is the text all about?

a) The woman had suffered for 12 years with bleeding. In our times of desperation, we don't have to worry about the correct way to reach out to God. Like this woman, we can simple reach out in faith. He will respond.

b) God changed a situation that had been a problem for years. Like the leper and the demon-possessed men (see Matthew 8:2-3, 8:28), this diseased woman was considered unclean.

i) 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. (Matthew 8:2-3 NIV)

ii) 28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:28-34 NIV)


c) For 12 years, she too had been one of the "untouchables" and had not been able to lead a normal life. But Jesus changed that and restored her.

d) Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations that have not changed for many years. God can change what seems unchangeable, giving new purpose and hope.

2. Prayer focus

a) Pray for your situation that has been a problem for years and see how God will change it for you as you simply reach out in faith to him.


The End ...

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