Matthew 14:36

OLBGrk;

Ver. 34-36. Mark relates the same, Mark 6:53, with no difference considerable. Christ had been in this country before, Matthew 8:1, and in it wrought several miracles, so as they had a former knowledge of him. As soon as thy had knowledge of his being again come, they express their faith in him, and their charity towards their neighbours, in telling it abroad, and bringing sick persons to him. I know not why any should fancy any superstition in their desire to touch the hem of his garment, considering how Mark expresses it, kan, which we translate, if it were but the border of his garment. It rather soundeth in my ears as a high expression of their faith; they believed there was such a fulness of virtue in Christ, that it flowed from him to every part of his garment. It was their faith in Christ, not their touch of his garment, that healed them. I am sure our Lord so far encouraged their faith, that he healed all those who touched his garment with that faith and expectation. The evangelist saith, they were made perfectly whole. Their faith here plainly implied not only an assent to his power, but a confidence in his goodness.