Reach of Faith

Description

Reach of Faith is an oil painting inspired by the story found in three of the Gospels—the woman who, after twelve years of suffering from uncontrolled bleeding, risked everything to be healed by Jesus. Her courageous act of faith so moved Jesus that He stopped, pointed her out, and honored her in front of the entire crowd. We are all in need of something. Like her, we too can reach for Him. In faith, through prayer, we can reach out and touch the hem of His garment—He is always waiting for us to ask, and to ask in His name. “For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made whole.’” (Matthew 9:21) “…and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed.” (Matthew 14:36) As I researched this painting, one question kept stirring in my heart: Why did the Gospel writers emphasize the hem or edge of His garment? Why did that detail matter? This curiosity led me on a journey into the culture and traditions of Jesus’ time. The story came alive in a new way as I learned about the tzitzit—the tassels on His garment—and their deep symbolism. Before this study, I hadn’t given the tassel much thought, but understanding its meaning made her healing story even more profound. Here’s a hint: “But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” (Malachi 4:2)