Walking With God: 7 Shorts for Your Life JourneySample

A Profound Encounter With Christ

In the Gospel of Mark, there is a powerful account of a woman who had been suffering from a debilitating blood issue for twelve long years.

This woman’s story teaches us a valuable lesson about the difference between merely thronging Jesus and truly touching Christ.

The scene is set as Jesus makes His way through a crowd, surrounded by people eager to be near Him. Amongst the multitude, this woman, who had exhausted all of her resources seeking medical help, quietly approached Jesus from behind. In her heart, she believed that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed.

Here lies the distinction between thronging Jesus and touching Christ. Many people were thronging Jesus that day, jostling for His attention, but this woman sought something deeper. She recognized that it was not the physical act of touching Jesus that held power; it was the faith behind that touch. She understood that true healing came from touching Christ Himself, from connecting with His divine presence and power.

When she touched the hem of His garment, Jesus immediately felt it. He turned around with compassion, acknowledging her faith, saying in Mark 5:34, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

This encounter reveals a vital truth: it is not enough to merely be in the presence of Jesus or to throng Him with our request. We must reach out in faith and touch Christ, connecting with Him on a personal level. The touch of faith opens the door to a life-transforming encounter with the living Christ.

Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of people who thronged Jesus but did not truly touch Christ. They observed His miracles, heard His teachings, and witnessed His power, yet their lives remained unchanged. On the other hand, those who touched Christ in faith experienced his transforming power, mercy, and grace.

Today, let us examine our own approach to Jesus. Are we thronging Him with our needs, or are we reaching out in faith, longing to touch Christ and experience his life-changing power?

Remember, it is not the physical act, but the spiritual touch of faith that opens the door to His presence. Let us approach Him with a humble heart, believing that He has the power to heal, restore, and transform.