If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed. —Mark 5:28b
Click Here to Read Today’s Scripture: Mark 5:21-34
On the north shore of the Sea of Galilee is a chapel with a large mural depicting the story told in Mark’s Gospel, Chapter 5:24-34. We see a woman in a crowd where she should not have been, as she was ceremonially unclean because she had been bleeding for twelve years. She was touching people around her as she pressed through the crowd. She also touched Jesus, a man to whom she was not married. Yet Jesus did not rebuke her for breaking these social rules. In fact, He commended her for her faith. In her pain and desperation, having sought help from doctors and spending all she had over twelve years of suffering, she was determined to touch Jesus in faith that she would be healed. And she was, instantly (v. 29).
The artist’s depiction shows only the feet of Jesus and the throng of people around him and the woman’s hand reaching out to touch Him. Our tour director told us there was one problem with the painting, though—the hem of Jesus’ garment was sewn in a Western style, folded over and seamed. In Jesus’ day they would gather the ends of the fabric and make tassels to prevent the unraveling of the cloth. These tassels were a symbol of authority. Thus the woman was reaching out to Jesus believing in His authority to heal her. When Jesus asked, “Who touched my clothes?” she confessed that she was the one, giving testimony of both her faith in Jesus and her healing by His power (v. 30).
Today, in many ways we likewise find ourselves in desperate situations, needing healing and help. Whether our need is physical, emotional, relational, financial, or psychological, we can find all we need in reaching out to Jesus and touching Him.
Reflect: What need do you have today? What previous breakthroughs can you recall as encouragement to reach out to Jesus and touch Him by faith?
Prayer starter:
Jesus, I am desperate for your touch, and today, I reach out to You and trust that I will see the miracle I need that only You can provide. Thank You for all You are and all You provide for me.
Share this with a friend
