Just a Touch

“Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus, and seeing [Jesus], he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.’ And he went with him.

“A great crowd followed him and thronged about him. There was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years… She had heard reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.  For she said, ‘If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.’ And immediately… she felt in her body that she was healed. Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my garments?..’ The woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.  He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’

“While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, ‘Your daughter is dead…’  But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe…’ They came to the house.., and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly…  He took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were overcome with amazement.” Mark 5:22-25,27-30,33-36,38,40b-42

He was just a man, but He was different. Jesus was sought out because He had an authority they recognized but couldn’t explain, compassion and healing power that were beyond natural, and irresistible. Crowds thronged to watch, individuals bowed and reached to make contact. Just one touch, whether they Him, or He them, and everything could change and be made right. (Mark 1:27; 2:12; 4:41)

In the pressing crowd of everyday life, there are many places that need healing. Relationships have rifts, attitudes sour, and filters on what we watch and say shake loose. We suffer pain in illness and strain in business. How often, when we have real needs, do we flit from person to place to possible solution and skirt around Jesus? Do we just watch from a distance? Is He a last resort, or even considered?

There is nothing like the personal touch of Jesus. We grab His feet and beg, and He goes with us. We touch His garment in the hope of faith, and His power flows out. His hand on our brow fevered with worry and fear, and over our still heart, revives and makes whole.

When will I reach to Jesus for specific healing? Of mindset, spirit, body? Will I pick up and open His word for wisdom, understanding, guidance, comfort, and cheer? What areas of my life will I make available for His healing, transforming, or renewing touch?

And how might I touch another for good? When I cannot be present, how might loving words, encouragement, or prayers bouy a flagging soul? Whom will I beg Jesus to restore?

Lord, hold and lift me, and touch others through me.