Matthew 9:20-21, "...a woman who had been sick for twelve years with internal bleeding came up behind him and touched a tassel of his robe, for she thought, ‘If I only touch him, I will be healed.'"

Think

"Jesus is waiting for our touch." Touch was a touchy subject for many in biblical times – especially for those deemed "untouchable!" According to Jewish law, the bleeding woman was considered unclean. Even an accidental touch would defile others. So, stop for a moment and think what it was like for this woman to have no pats on the back, no hand-holding, no hugs, no intimacy whatsoever for well over a decade. Life was hard for this woman. She was desperate, isolated and hopeless... that is, until she heard about Jesus' miraculous healing power. The Bible says God works through all things for our good and his glory. He leveraged this woman's suffering to bring her to a point of surrender. And out of sheer desperation, she made a faith decision to risk everything by pushing her way through a large crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus' robe. The power of touch is undeniable! In this life-changing moment, the untouchable touched Jesus and became touchable! He healed her from the inside out. And right now, he is waiting for us to reach out to him with a little touch of faith!

 

Act

Read the full account of this story in Mark 5:25-34. Notice how Jesus reacted to this woman's faith. How has he responded to your faith in times of distress and difficulty?

 

Pray

Dear Lord, thank you for your touch on my life. In my sin and suffering I reached out to you and you showered me with peace and gave me hope. Today, provide me with an opportunity to share this hope with someone and encourage them to place their faith in you. In Jesus' name, Amen.