Matthew 14:34

And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret. And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought unto him all that were sick; and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment: and as many as touched were made whole.

In this section, it has been noted that Christ was rejected at Nazareth; John's martyrdom caused Christ to leave Herod's territory; the multitude at Bethsaida had tried to make him king; and in this passage is another instance of the Master's being widely acclaimed and accepted. Since the master plan called for Christ's rejection, even those instances of his acceptance were practically all marred by some vitiating circumstance. This is seen in the efforts of those at Bethsaida to make him king by force, in the woman at Samaria's well having been a Samaritan of doubtful morality, and in the Gentile orientation of others.

None can say how many Christ healed. ALL of their sick must have been a truly great number. What a blessing he bestowed upon that land. There were so many and suffering that sufficient time did not exist for him to give personal attention to them all, hence, their desire merely to touch the border of his garment.

As many as touched were made whole! This seven-word jewel is one of the most illuminating and encouraging remarks in the sacred text. A mere touch is not much contact, but it is enough! Those who touched were not merely helped; they were made perfectly whole. No efficacy in his garment is implied; not the garment, but Christ healed. He needed no staff, as did Moses; he needed no mantle, as Elijah; he required no instrument except himself. His word alone cast out demons, stilled the tempest, changed the water into wine, and raised the dead!

A number of infinities appear in these seven words:

There is infinite compassion, evident when Christ allowed a multitude to throng him for a chance to touch him.

There is infinite need, seen in the incredible number of those who came from that one tiny place on earth.

There is infinite power. Both those who touched or were touched were made whole.

There is infinite contrast. A touch, only for an instant, and only his garment at that; and the sufferer was made whole for life. That instant touch of Christ's garment contrasts with entire wholeness of the entire man for an entire lifetime!

There is infinite encouragement. Spiritually, those who touch the Lord shall live.

There is infinite privilege. Men today are not called merely to "touch" Christ but to be baptized into him, to become a part of his mystical body, and to let his mind be in them.

There is infinite danger. With all one's speaking of Christ and open profession of his service, it may be that he never touches Christ at all, or, touching, touches not in faith!