What does Matthew 14:36 mean?

Jesus once praised the faith of a woman who stealthily touched the hem of His clothes, seeking to be healed from a twelve-year affliction (Matthew 9:20–22). Perhaps her story had spread, because the people of the Gennesaret region implore Jesus to allow them to touch the fringe of His garment to be healed from their afflictions, as well. This reiterates Jesus' fame, but it also demonstrates the human capacity for superstition. The fact that people want to exactly duplicate the actions of the healed woman suggest they see touching of Jesus' hem as an integral part of the miracle. Avoiding those notions is likely one reason Jesus used varied methods in other healings (Matthew 9:27–31; Mark 8:22–26, John 9:6).

For the time being, however, what matters is that the people need help. So, Jesus agrees, and everyone who touches His garment is made well. As was the case with that woman, these people are displaying great faith in Jesus' power to make them well. Jesus' fame and stature continues to grow. In turn, the Pharisees will step up their attempts to take Jesus down.