The Power of the Divine Touch

The Power of the Divine Touch  

Mark 5:21-43

By Dr. Russell M. Morrow

In the sacred halls of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" speaks of divine touch. Completed in 1511, this masterpiece captures the moment when God's hand reaches out to Adam, symbolizing the dawn of humanity. This iconic image reveals a profound truth—the transformative power of God's touch. Similarly, in Mark 5:21-43, we witness the divine touch through the stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood. These narratives bridge human suffering with divine intervention, reminding us that faith draws us closer to the life-giving touch of our Creator.

In a small village, Jesus' touch profoundly transformed two lives. A woman cast aside by society and a young girl, the cherished daughter of a respected leader, experienced the life-giving power of faith in Jesus. The crowd dispersed, filled with awe and wonder at their witnessed miracles.

Jesus' interactions with Jairus and the woman reveal His compassion and power. He did not favor Jairus for his status nor dismiss the woman for her poverty. Instead, He responded to their faith. Whether we are influential like Jairus or marginalized like the woman, Jesus calls us to have faith, knowing He hears us and responds with compassion and power.

Amid desperation and hopelessness, Jesus displays magnificent grace—God's unmerited favor, freely given to all who come to Him. Neither Jairus, with his high social standing, nor the marginalized woman, earned Jesus' help; they received it purely because of His boundless love and compassion. Jesus' readiness to respond exemplifies this grace, breaking through barriers to heal and restore those who seek Him in faith.

Jesus' actions reflect divine justice transcending human systems and prejudices, aiming to restore and make whole. Jesus demonstrates God's commitment to righting wrongs and addressing brokenness by restoring life to Jairus' daughter and healing the woman. His mission to dismantle societal and religious barriers showcases a commitment to justice for all.

Jesus' ministry testifies to God's inclusive love, welcoming all, regardless of social or economic status. He responds to faith from a respected synagogue leader and a needy woman, offering personal attention and care. This teaches that God's kingdom is open to everyone and values each individual's needs.

Jesus' equal treatment of Jairus and the woman underscores the importance of diversity within the faith community. By caring for both a wealthy religious leader and a marginalized woman, Jesus shows the need for the church to embrace and value diversity. These stories reinforce that Jesus is accessible to all, fostering a diverse and inclusive community of believers where every person is precious in God's eyes.

As followers of Christ, the church is called to embody these principles in its ministry and mission.

The church should nurture faith in Jesus and advocate for those in need, just as Jesus advocated for Jairus and the woman.

The church must seek to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to all who are hurt by acting as a conduit of Jesus' healing power.

In a world often divided by race, class, and gender, the church should strive to break down these barriers, promoting an inclusive and welcoming community.

The church must celebrate and testify to the transformative power of Jesus, sharing stories of hope and deliverance that inspire faith and trust in God's miraculous abilities.

A Message of Hope, Deliverance, and Victory

Reflecting on Jairus and the woman with the hemorrhage, we see a powerful message of hope. No matter how desperate our situation is, Jesus is there, ready to offer His grace, justice, inclusion, and healing. His actions remind us that we are all welcomed into God's kingdom, our faith is precious to Him, and He continually works to restore and renew.

Let us hold onto these truths and allow them to transform our lives and church community. May we become a beacon of hope, deliverance, and victory in a world longing for the touch of Jesus' grace. Remember, prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door. With this faith, let us approach the Master confident in His ability to bring healing and transformation to every area of our lives.

Then, we can give witness to the testimony of Bill Gaither, who wrote:

"Shackled by a heavy burden, 'Neath, a load of guilt and shame. Then the hand of Jesus touched me, And now I am no longer the same. Since I met this blessed Savior, since He cleansed and made me whole, I will never cease to praise Him; I'll shout it while eternity rolls. He touched me, Oh He touched me, And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened, and now I know He touched me and made me whole."