Scripture reading: Mark 5:25–34

Such a Touch Means Much

For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” (Mark 5:28)

 

When Katy and I first began to get acquainted in college, there were numerous occasions when we touched each other. A handshake, a friendly hug, or bumping shoulders in the line at the cafeteria.  But one night, before we were officially a “couple,” we found ourselves sitting across from one another at a table in the library and trying to study. I don’t think we learned much from our books that night because under the table our feet touched. If I had put my toes in an electrical outlet, I don’t think the charge could have been stronger! The technical term for this is “playing footsies” but regardless of how one describes it, that is a touch I will never forget.

In Mark 5:25–34 a woman touched Jesus. It was not a romantic touch, but it was a touch she nor Jesus would ever forget. There were scores of people in the crowd that day, jostling up against him and making physical contact. But this woman’s touch was different.

Everything about this woman’s condition was tragic. She had been sick for twelve years with a “discharge of blood.” This would have made her “unclean” so that all who knew her avoided her. She had spent all her money on doctors and yet her condition remained unchanged. She was unclean, poor, weak, ostracized and alone. But somehow she had learned about Jesus and had come to the conclusion that he could make her well. Too ashamed to make an appointment, she decided to act secretly. If she could just touch him, even the hem of his garment, she believed that his healing power would make her well.

Amazingly, her plan worked! But there was one thing she didn’t anticipate. Jesus knew when she touched him. But rather  than  being  upset,  he  praised  her  and lifted her up as an example for others. Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease (Mark 5:34).

Notice three characteristics of the touch that means so much:

,. It was a desperate touch. Others in the crowd that day made contact physically with Jesus through a curious touch, an informational touch, an accidental touch, or even an affectionate touch. But this woman was desperate. Jesus was her last hope. It mattered little to her if her action brought shame because her desperation factor was greater than her embarrassment factor.

,. It was a determined touch. She was single-minded in her mission to make contact with Jesus. Nothing could stop her: not the crowds, or her shame, or her weak condition, or even the fact that Jesus was busy, headed to another appointment. Those who seek the Lord with all their hearts will surely find him (Jeremiah 29:13).

,. It was an expectant touch. Touching a piece of clothing sounds a bit superstitious to me. This woman’s understanding of theology was obviously not very mature. But Jesus never says we have to do everything properly and understand everything correctly before he will act. Thank God! Daughter, your faith has healed! Go in peace.

Do you need a divine touch today? Let this woman’s example be an encouragement to you.

 

Give me one divine moment when God acts, and I say that moment is far superior to all the human efforts of man through the centuries.—Dennis Kinlaw

 

point to ponder • Have you ever “touched” Jesus?

prayer focus • For someone you know who needs Jesus’ healing.