Basic HTML Version
Touch of Faith
37
The grateful woman desired to express her thanks to the Mighty
Healer, who had done more for her in one touch than the physicians
had done in twelve long years; but she dared not. With a grateful
heart she tried to withdraw from the crowd. Suddenly Jesus stopped,
and looking round He asked, “Who touched Me?”
Looking at Him in amazement, Peter answered, “Master, the mul-
titude throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, Who touched
Me?”
Luke 8:45
.
“Somebody hath touched Me,” Jesus said; “for I perceive that
virtue is gone out of Me.”
Verse 46
. He could distinguish the touch
of faith from the casual touch of the careless throng. Someone had
touched Him with a deep purpose and had received answer.
Christ did not ask the question for His own information. He had
a lesson for the people, for His disciples, and for the woman. He
[61]
wished to inspire the afflicted with hope. He wished to show that it
was faith which had brought the healing power. The woman’s trust
must not be passed by without comment. God must be glorified by
her grateful confession. Christ desired her to understand that He
approved her act of faith. He would not have her depart with a half
blessing only. She was not to remain in ignorance of His knowledge
of her suffering, or of His compassionate love and of His approval
of her faith in His power to save to the uttermost all who come to
Him.
Looking toward the woman, Christ insisted on knowing who
had touched Him. Finding concealment vain, she came forward
trembling, and cast herself at His feet. With grateful tears she told
Him, before all the people, why she had touched His garment, and
how she had been immediately healed. She feared that her act in
touching His garment had been one of presumption; but no word of
censure came from Christ’s lips. He spoke only words of approval.
They came from a heart of love, filled with sympathy for human
woe. “Daughter,” He said gently, “be of good comfort: thy faith hath
[62]
made thee whole; go in peace.”
Verse 48
. How cheering were these
words to her. Now no fear that she had given offense embittered her
joy.
To the curious crowd pressing about Jesus there was imparted
no vital power. But the suffering woman who touched Him in faith
received healing. So in spiritual things does the casual contact differ