That night before Chananel left, he told Talia, “I believe that Jesus of Nazareth can heal you. I really believe it! One way or another we have to get him to you or you to him. As soon as I know when he will arrive, I will come up with a plan and let you know.”
His visits had always cheered her up. But on this occasion his words: “Talia, this is your time!” and the name, “Jesus of Nazareth!” swarmed round in her head like insects with nowhere to settle.
As she thought about Chananel’s words and the name of Jesus, faith rose in her as well as fear. She felt excitement and at the same time terror and horror. A plan started forming in her mind but what if Jesus can’t help her? She’s not allowed to go out either, what if she gets caught or found out? Maybe she should wait for Chananel’s help. But she has waited for people’s help for the last 12 years and nothing has come of it. It was time to help herself.
In the morning, Talia called Ziva—her trusted maid. She had been with Talia from her teenage years, she had been with her when she got married and the one valuable Omer had sent her back home with. Talia asked her to find as much information she can about Jesus. His arrival, where he plans to do his teachings and where he might be staying during his visit.
Armed with the information gathered by Ziva, a few days later Talia walked with the crowd that met Jesus at the lake. Dressed in disguise, she covered her face as much as possible. She tried not to touch anyone or let anyone touch her but that was difficult as everyone just wanted to get close to Jesus. As they walked, she kept saying to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed…This is my time!”
Then Jesus was stopped by a local synagogue leader, who knelt before him, saying something about his daughter. But Talia didn’t pay attention to him as she realised it was her opportunity to act. Realising her proximity to Jesus, she stretched her hand in between the people in front of her and touched the edge of his robe. In that instant a warmness raced through her body so fast she thought she imagined it. At the same time Jesus looked around and asked,
“Who touched me?”
Surely he couldn’t have felt that she thought trembling. Just then she heard someone say,
“Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you—”
But to Talia’s dismay, Jesus insisted and said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.”
On hearing that, Talia knew she couldn’t hide anymore, so she pushed through those in front of her and fell at the feet of Jesus. In a shaky voice, she narrated her story and what happened when she touched him. The crowd had gone silent, and her heart was pounding so hard as she wondered what would happen to her.
Then Jesus said, in the most compassionate voice she had ever heard, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Jesus was interrupted again as someone told the synagogue leader that his daughter had died. But Talia stayed rooted where she now stood as the crowd moved away with Jesus.
“Talia, is that you?” It was Chananel.
She looked at him in a daze, “He said I’m healed.”
“I know, I heard him. I told you, this is your time!” he said embracing her. “Let’s go and tell your family the good news.” He added, as he led her home.
The End.
Italics: Luke 8: 40-49.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 