Fringe Benefits

What was it about the fringe of Jesus’ garment that had people clamoring to touch it?

We see this in the woman who couldn’t stop her menstrual bleeding. When she heard about Jesus she secretly came up behind and touched the hem of His garment, and immediately was healed. (Mark 5:27-29; Luke 8:43-44)

But this was not a one-time occurrence. It says whenever Jesus went people begged to touch the hem or the corner fringes of His garment, and those who did were healed. (Mark 6:56)

The fringes upon the corner of the Jewish garments were to symbolize and remind the people about the commandments of God (Numbers 15:38-40). But when it came to the Messiah it also meant healing.

“The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” (Malachi 4:2)

The word “wings,” in the Hebrew language means the corner and referred to the corner or fringes of the Jewish garment. A more literal translation would be: “The Messiah will arise with healing in his fringes.”

But it wasn’t the fringes that healed; rather it was faith that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Jesus said to the woman, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:34)

It wasn’t the fringe but her faith. The fringe was merely the object by which her faith in Jesus as the Messiah and His healing power could be released. It’s not in the objects that healing comes, but in the reality that they represent.

This may be why Jesus never rebuked the people for touching the fringes of His garment.

Jesus knows how weak our faith often times is when faced with affliction. Often times we need a point of faith release, whether it’s an object, the altar, or hands being laid upon us.
By faith reach out to the fringe of Jesus’ garment and receive healing understanding that He is our true healer.

So there are fringe benefits to the fringe.