ODJ: the touch of love

December 22, 2013 

READ: Matthew 14:34-36 

They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe and all who touched him were healed (v.36).

A hug is a powerful thing. Picture a sobbing mother and father clutching each other as they stagger in grief. A third person walks up, a pastor or close friend and throws his arms around both of them. Their sorrow is too much for words, but his touch says enough and all that should be said.

Matthew said that “people were bringing all their sick” to Jesus—the Greek literally says “all those who were having badly” (14:35). They reached out to touch Him and if Jesus followed normal practice He touched them back. Jesus could heal from a distance—see how He healed a Roman officer’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13), but He preferred to work up close. He entered people’s personal space and touched those no one else would. He touched lepers (vv.2-3), blind beggars (20:30-34), the demon possessed (Mark 9:25-27) and the dead (Matthew 9:23-25). Jesus touched anyone who was “having badly” and “the touch of his hand healed every one” (Luke 4:40).

Jesus’ touch forged a connection between Him and the hurting. Luke says “Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him” (6:19). Jesus’ touch also showed He identified with their plight. His touch said He was on their side.

Where do you need Jesus’ touch? He hasn’t promised to heal our physical needs immediately—though His Spirit can do that—but He has promised to forgive our sin and stay with us always (Matthew 28:20; 1 John 1:9). Run to Him, reach for Him and know that He still helps those who are “having badly”.

Who needs your touch? Who needs to know that you stand with them and that you’re on their side? Your touch might be just the thing to lead them to Jesus. — Mike Wittmer