She Touched Him Different

Given August 6, 2007 

Envision the scene in Luke 8 where Jesus is going to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter but has an encounter with a woman who had a bleeding problem.  As with everywhere Jesus went, there was a large crowd surrounding him, bumping and  tugging at him but suddenly He stops.  He looks around and says, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:46.  With all the people in the crowd touching Jesus, what was different about this woman?

Think about this: she had had this bleeding problem for years and had spent all her money on doctors who hadn’t helped her at all.  She was considered unclean by Jewish law and wasn’t even supposed to be out in public.  But she had heard of this man Jesus who was doing wondrous things and risked everything for the chance to see him.  I’m sure there were other people in the crowd who had needs so what was different about this woman?

In Mark 5 it says, “she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” (verse 28).  This statement gives us a glimpse of her faith.  She thought, “I don’t have to talk to him, get His attention, or tell Him what I need.  If I can just get close enough to touch His clothes, I know I’ll be healed!”  That was different than all the other people in the crowd.  And what did Jesus say to her?  “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (verse 34).  Her faith.  That’s what was different.  She touch Jesus with her faith.