In Luke 8:44 we learn about a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. “She came up behind [Jesus] and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.”

Jesus healed her. It was—and is—an incredible testament to his goodness and power.

I was curious about Jesus’ cloak. The word for “edge” could also be translated as “tassel.” Jewish men wore tassels on their clothes. They were told to do this in Numbers 15:38: “Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.” 

The passage goes on to specify their purpose. It’s so that God’s people will remember his commands and live holy lives.

Christians don’t tend to wear tassels anymore (that’s a story for another day). But many of us do wear physical things which remind us about our faith. 

The most common is a cross. Many wear one around their neck. Some people have a ‘Jesus fish’ on their vehicle. A dove is sometimes used to represent the Holy Spirit. You sometimes also see an anchor used in jewelry or in art because the hope of Christ is the “anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19).

Just as tassels were a visible reminder to God’s people that they were to be holy and faithful to God, so can our own symbols today be a visible reminder of those same things.

Over time symbols can lose their personal significance if we don’t intentionally reflect on their meaning.

When you put on one of these symbols, or when you see one of them, remember that you are different. You are called to live in a way that is holy and faithful. 

The symbols aren’t for the benefit of others. In fact, Jesus warns against doing these things for show in Matthew 23:5. But when worn or displayed as a reminder that you belong to God and strive after a life which is holy and faithful, they can be a practical grounding in the things that matter most.

Be intentional. Remember who you are, whose you are, and what you are called to do here on earth.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.