Picture: The Touch of Faith Brings Healing 3TC 220.1
This chapter is based on Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56.
Returning from Gergesa to the western shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus found a crowd gathered to meet Him. He stayed by the seaside for a while, teaching and healing, and then went to the house of Levi-Matthew to meet the tax collectors at the feast. Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, found Him there. In great distress he exclaimed, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 3TC 220.2
Jesus set out immediately with the ruler for his home. The disciples were surprised that he agreed to the request of the proud rabbi, yet they accompanied their Master, and the people followed. Jesus and His companions advanced slowly, for the crowd pressed around Him on every side. The anxious father was impatient, but Jesus stopped now and then to relieve suffering or to comfort a troubled heart. 3TC 221.1
While they were on the way, a messenger pushed through the crowd, bearing the news that Jairus’s daughter was dead. The word caught the ear of Jesus. “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 3TC 221.2
Together they hurried to the ruler’s home. Already hired mourners and flute players were filling the air with their anguished noise. Jesus tried to silence them: “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” They were offended at the Stranger’s words. They had seen the child in the grip of death. Requiring them all to leave, Jesus took the girl’s father and mother with Peter, James, and John, and entered the chamber of death. 3TC 221.3
Jesus approached the bedside and, taking the child’s hand in His own, said softly, in the familiar language of her home, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 3TC 221.4
Instantly, a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The eyes opened widely as if from sleep, and the young girl looked with amazement at the group beside her. She got up, and her parents embraced her and wept for joy. 3TC 221.5
On the way to the ruler’s house, Jesus had met a poor woman who had suffered for twelve years from a disease that made her life a burden. She had spent all her money on physicians and medicines, only to be told that she was incurable. But her hopes revived when she heard of Christ. If she could only go to Him, she would be healed. In weakness and suffering, she came to the seaside where He was teaching and tried to press through the crowd, but without success. She followed Him from the house of Levi-Matthew, but still she was unable to reach Him. She had begun to give up hope when He came near where she was. 3TC 221.6
She was in the presence of the Great Physician! But in the confusion, she could not speak to Him or catch more than a quick glimpse of Him. Afraid that she might lose her one chance of relief, she pushed forward, saying to herself, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” As He was passing by, she reached forward and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness gave way to the vigor of perfect health. 3TC 221.7
With a grateful heart she tried to slip out of the crowd, but suddenly Jesus stopped. Looking around, He asked in a voice that everyone could hear above the confusion, “Who touched Me?” Jostled on all sides as He was, it seemed a strange question. 3TC 222.1
Peter, always ready to speak, said, “Master, the multitudes throng You and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” Jesus answered, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” The Savior could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual contact of the careless crowd. Such trust should not go by without comment. He would speak words of comfort to the humble woman, words that would be a blessing to His followers to the close of time. 3TC 222.2
Looking toward the woman, Jesus insisted on knowing who had touched Him. Finding that she could not hide, she came forward, trembling. With grateful tears she told of her suffering and how she had found relief. Jesus said, “Daughter, ... your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing by merely touching His garments. The cure happened through the faith that took hold of His divine power. 3TC 222.3
To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, accomplishes nothing. A theoretical faith, which accepts Christ merely as the Savior of the world, can never bring healing to the spiritual life. Faith is not agreeing with truth intellectually. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relationship with God. Genuine faith means an increase of vigor, a deep and willing trust, by which our spirit becomes a conquering power. 3TC 222.4
After healing the woman, Jesus wanted her to acknowledge the blessing she had received. The gifts that the gospel offers are not to be enjoyed in secret. Our acknowledgement of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen way for revealing Christ to the world. The testimony of our own experience is what will be most effective. See Isaiah 43:12. When we back them up by a Christlike life, our personal stories of His grace have irresistible power that works for the salvation of others. 3TC 223.1
When the ten lepers came to Jesus for healing, they were cleansed; but only one returned to give Him glory. The others went their way, forgetting Him who had made them whole. How many still do the same thing! The Lord raises up the sick, He delivers people from danger, He commissions angels to save them from disaster, to guard them from disease and destruction (Psalm 91:6), yet they do not remember His great love. By ingratitude they close their hearts against the grace of God. 3TC 223.2
It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. This will strengthen faith. Let us, then, remember the loving-kindness of the Lord. And as we review God’s dealings with us, let us declare, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12. 3TC 223.3
