While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. 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.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.
When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.
Mt 9:18-26
The official is an observant Jew learned in the law. He has a fervent faith in the Messiah, that Jesus is he. The woman on the way who comes to Jesus for healing has suffered from a bleeding disease has suffered for 12 years. Her suffering is the same age as the girl who has just died. Her suffering has made her impure and she has been cut off from the temple for this time. The 12 years also represent the 12 tribes of Israel who will be/has been cut off from the real presence of God. The woman transgresses Jewish law and seemingly caused Jesus to violate it by touching his cloak. Yet Jesus does not become impure, the woman becomes pure. This is the assent of faith Israel must give to the Messiah so she too will be made pure. Jesus violates the law again by seemingly touching the young girls’ corpse whom he raises. Here Jesus asserts his superiority over the Mosaic law as he is the one who can touch a corpse because he conquers death. The requirement to activate this power is faith Jesus is who he said he was. That faith is active. The bleeding woman and the official had to seek Jesus out on their own initiative. So too will be the final redemption of corporal Israel when they will be made pure to enter the presence of God which will be like the resurrection of the dead. It requires the faith of simple individuals like you and I.
