Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Power of Touch

Jesus is now back on the other side of the sea of Galilee, and once again he's teaching the multitudes. We are beginning in Mark 5:21 and following.
  One of the rulers of the synagogue, came to Jesus and fell at his feet. He explained that his daughter was very ill, near to the point of death. But if Jesus would come and lay hands on her, he knew she would be healed. Jesus went with Jairus to his home, and those who followed Jesus came along as well. Wherever Jesus went, he attracted attention. 
  This time, he attracted the attention of a woman. She'd heard of Jesus and wanted to see him herself. But she had an issue of blood. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but by Jewish law she was considered unclean and really wasn't supposed to be out in public. She'd seen doctors and suffered through what they thought would help her, but nothing had helped, and the problem just kept getting worse. Jesus couldn't go anywhere without being mobbed by people, but this woman was determined. She thought to herself, If I can just touch the hem of his garment I'll be healed. She got close enough and touched his clothes, and was instantly healed. The blood dried up. And Jesus knew.
  He stopped in his tracks. Who touched me? He asked. His disciples were confused, for he had many people round about him, and many were probably touching him, whether by accident or design. But Jesus went straight to the woman because he knew. She was afraid, because she really shouldn't have been out in public to begin with according to the law, and also, she was just a woman. She had no idea what Jesus was going to do. She told him the truth.
  34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
 While this was going on, someone from Jairus' house came to him and told him his daughter had died; there was no further reason to bother Jesus.  Jesus told Jairus, Be not afraid, only believe.
  Jesus went on to Jairus' house and saw everyone standing around crying and mourning. Jesus told them to stop that; she wasn't dead, only sleeping. The people did not believe him. They were scornful of Jesus and his sayings! Couldn't he see with his own eyes? Jesus sent everyone out of the house except the girl's mother and father, and he went in to where the girl lay.  He took her by the hand and told her to arise.  Talitha cumi.  This little twelve year old girl got up and walked. All because of the faith of her father and the touch of the Master's hand.  

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