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Touch of Faith Brings Healing
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Jesus approached the bedside and, taking the child’s hand in
His own, pronounced softly, in the familiar language of her home,
“Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.”
Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The
eyes opened widely as if from sleep, and the maiden gazed with
wonder on the group beside her. She arose, and her parents clasped
her in their arms, and wept for joy.
On the way to the ruler’s house, Jesus had met a poor woman
who for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life
a burden. She had spent all her means on physicians and remedies,
only to be pronounced 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 in vain. She
followed Him from the house of Levi-Matthew, but was still unable
to reach Him. She had begun to despair when He came near where
she was.
She was in the presence of the Great Physician! But amid the
confusion she could not speak to Him or catch more than a passing
glimpse of Him. Fearful of losing her one chance of relief, she
pressed forward, saying to herself, “If I may but touch His garment,
I shall be whole.” As He was passing, 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 place to the vigor of perfect health.
With grateful heart she tried to withdraw from the crowd, but
suddenly Jesus stopped. Looking about, He asked in a voice dis-
tinctly heard above the confusion, “Who touched Me?” Jostled on
all sides, as he was, it seemed a strange inquiry.
Peter, ever ready to speak, said, “Master, the multitude throng
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Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, Who touched Me?” Jesus
answered, “Somebody hath touched Me: for I perceive that virtue is
gone out of Me.” The Saviour could distinguish the touch of faith
from the casual contact of the careless throng. Such trust should not
be passed without comment. He would speak to the humble woman
words of comfort, words that would be a blessing to His followers
to the close of time.