“Faith in the Touch” – MARK 5:25-34

Some things just take time. Twelve years is a long time to suffer, and the woman in our passage today no doubt suffered socially and physically with her hemorrhage. No money could heal her. No doctor could overcome her travail (5:26). Sure she had need of food and shelter just like the rest of us, and I am sure she needed the companionship and touch of friends and family. When she heard about Jesus, something inside told her that she needed most of all to touch Him (5:28).

Twelve years was a long time, but her time had now arrived.

Then she touched Him.

Actually, she simply touched His clothing (5:27). Something told her that this action would accomplish what no doctor and no cash could accomplish. She immediately knew she was healed (5:29). It was no “magic cloak” that healed her, but the power of God in Christ Jesus (5:30a). She knew what she had to do and Jesus knew something happened. The reaction of Jesus in knowing the power went out from Him and asking who had touched Him distracted her from the magnitude of this miracle.

She reached out to Jesus … what would He do to her?

Then He touched her.

She trembled in fear because of the reaction of Jesus to what she had done and her uncertainty in her own actions (5:30-32). The “whole truth” she told Him was a remarkable statement of faith … just what Jesus was looking for. He touched her with His assuring words, “Your faith has saved you”. He touched her with His calming words, “Go in peace”. He touched her with His encouraging words, “Be healed of your affliction” (5:34).

The reality of His Divine Identity emboldens us to reach out to Him in faith.

The majesty of His Divine Power blesses the reaching touch with just what we need from Him at just the right time.

The graciousness of His Divine Purpose answers our greatest need, and grants us the additional blessing of peace and perseverance.

He passes your way each day. If you are like me, some days you hardly notice Him at all. Other days, I impatiently await the moment I can reach out and touch Him. What will you do when He comes by your place today?