While Christ was heading toward Jairus’s house to heal his daughter, a woman was in the crowd who had suffered 12 years from a burdensome disease. All her savings was spent on many physicians, only to be told she was incurable. She had heard about Jesus, and felt if she could go to Him, she would be healed.
Weak and suffering, she had followed the crowds where Jesus was, but couldn’t get to Him. On this occasion, when about to give up in despair, she noticed Jesus coming close where she was. Hope revived. Fearful of losing her one chance as He passed nearby, she pushed forward, thinking, “If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.”
She reached out, barely touching the hem of His garment. Instantly, pain and weakness were gone, replaced by perfect health! Grateful, she tried to slip away from the crowd.
Suddenly Jesus stopped, saying in a voice heard above the confusion, “Who touched Me?” Peter spoke up, “Master, with this pressing crowd You ask, ‘Who touched Me!’ Jesus answered, “Someone touched Me, for I perceive virtue is gone out of Me.” He recognized the touch of faith from the multitude’s careless contact. It had to be noticed.
Jesus looked toward the woman, and she came forward trembling and bowed at His feet. Gratefully, she told her story of suffering and healing. Tenderly, Jesus said, “Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith made you whole; go in peace.” He wanted it known, it was her faith in His divine power to heal and not the touch of His garment that healed her.
So too in spiritual things. Having a casual connection with God without soul hunger and a living, abiding trust in God, avails nothing. Genuine faith is life.
If you have a question for Bible Mentor Marie Odell you can contact her by emailing: marieodell04@gmail.com
Marie Odell is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
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