The Woman Who Touched Jesus
Base Text: Mark 5:24–34
Introduction
The Gospel presents us with a striking account of a woman who, upon touching Jesus, was instantly made whole. Whenever Jesus is present, He naturally attracts a crowd. However, this story teaches us that not everyone who draws near to Jesus does so in the same way.
In the middle of a pressing crowd, many were bumping into Him out of curiosity or habit, but only one "touch" reached the heart of God. Only a personal touch—one fueled by desperate faith—comes into contact with divine power. Today, we will examine three types of people who "touch" Jesus, and we will discover why only one receives the miracle.
I. Touching Jesus Out of Mere Curiosity
(Mark 5:30–31)
A. A Touch Without Faith Produces No Power
When Jesus asked, “Who touched my clothes?” (Mark 5:30), His disciples were confused. They looked at the massive crowd pressing against Him and thought it was a ridiculous question (Mark 5:31; Luke 8:45). To them, it was just a physical crowd. But Jesus felt something specific: He knew power had gone out from Him (Luke 8:46).
B. Curiosity Does Not Transform
Many people in that crowd were just there to see the "celebrity." They wanted to see a sign or satisfy their curiosity, but they remained unchanged. Today, many still approach Christ just to "see what it's like." Some even undergo baptism without true conviction.
C. The Danger of Superficiality
Following Jesus is the most significant decision of a lifetime. A "curious" Christian does not build deep spiritual roots and does not grow. In fact, knowing the way and then walking away leaves a person in a worse spiritual condition (2 Peter 2:20).
II. Touching Jesus Superficially
A. The "Low-Commitment" Touch
Some people move beyond curiosity but stop short of commitment. They want the benefits of Jesus without the "cost" of Jesus. There are no radical changes in their lives; they are simply adding a little religion to their existing lifestyle.
B. The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus was very honest about what it means to follow Him. In Luke 14:25–35, He taught that true discipleship requires reflection, surrender, and absolute faithfulness.
C. The Risks of a Superficial Life
When our spiritual life is superficial, everything else becomes hollow:
• Superficial Service: Doing things for show.
• Superficial Prayer: Reciting words without heart.
• Superficial Praise: Singing without worship. Scripture warns that participating in the things of God (like the Lord’s Supper) in a superficial or unworthy manner can even bring judgment (1 Corinthians 11:29).
D. True Transformation
God demands more than a "veneer" of Christianity. He wants us to be new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) who put on the "new man" created in righteousness (Ephesians 4:24).
III. Touching Jesus With True Faith
(Mark 5:28)
A. A Firm and Decided Faith
The woman didn't just hope; she believed. She said to herself:
“If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed” (Mark 5:28).
This is the kind of faith that believes before it sees (Mark 11:24). God is not pleased by a "doubting" faith, but by a heart that rests in His ability (Mark 9:22–24).
B. The Weight of Her Desperation
To understand her touch, we must understand her pain:
• She had suffered for 12 years (Mark 5:25).
• She had endured much under the care of many doctors (Mark 5:26).
• She had spent all her money and was now broke.
• Instead of getting better, she grew worse.
C. A Faith That Seeks Christ Alone
When human hope was gone, she turned to Christ. Jesus came specifically for those who recognize their need for a Physician (Mark 2:17). We must remember that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
D. Humility and Gratitude
When she was discovered, she came and fell at His feet trembling (Mark 5:33). She recognized His authority and gave thanks. Many receive blessings from God but never stop to honor Him or testify of His goodness.
- Who was Leah in the Bible? The Woman Who Was Unloved
- The Women on the Cross John 19:25-27
- The Woman Set Free Matthew 15:21-28 and Luke 13:10-17
Conclusion
There are three ways to touch Jesus:
1. By Curiosity: Looking for a show.
2. Superficially: Looking for a religion without a cross.
3. With True Faith: Looking for a Savior.
Only the touch of faith releases the transforming power of Christ. This woman was healed because she believed, she humbled herself, and she trusted Jesus completely despite the crowd and her own weakness.
Application: Whatever burden, illness, or spiritual weight you are carrying today, do not just "crowd" around Jesus. Do not just be a spectator. Reach out and touch Him with a heart of faith. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7), and He is able to deliver the righteous from all their afflictions (Psalm 34:19).
