Power flowed from Jesus, unhindered by time and distance.
The only hindrance found in the scriptural record was the lack of faith. Unlike the cowards on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, the multitude gathered in faith to welcome Jesus and the Twelve back to their side of the lake. For 12 years the daughter of Jairus had lived her life. Now she faced death. In those same 12 years, a woman of the town had suffered a terrible illness.
Jairus, a Ruler of the Synagogue
A few of the leaders of the people exercised faith in Jesus. One of them was a leader named Jairus. His name was prophetic, meaning, “He will arise.” This Jairus did, rising above the cynicism and hostility of the ruling religious class to express faith in Jesus.
Coming directly to Jesus, Jairus fell at His feet, pleading his desperate case: His only daughter of only 12 years was dying. Immediately Jesus started for the home of Jairus, of necessity passing through the crowded streets. The multitude pressed Him on every side; it was not an easy trip.
A Woman, Gravely Ill
In the rough and tumble crowd, a weakened frame, wasted by the same 12 years of an uncontrolled flow of blood, tried her best to get to Jesus. Her strength, like her money, was nearly gone. Several times as she pressed through the crowd, bent in pain and stiffness, she would almost find herself within reach of Jesus only to be thrown back by the crowd. People took little notice of her and her quest seemed doomed to fail. When she was about to give up, a wave of people pushed her toward Jesus, depositing her at His feet. Realizing this position and opportunity, she stretched out her thin, skeletal hand and touched the hem of His robe.
With this touch came strength, itself a wave, flowing through her. She knew immediately that the flow of blood stopped. More than that, a surge of life and wellness coursed through her body. The years of suffering fled before this moment of healing. She felt strong enough to straighten up, rising carefully to her full height, small by the measure of men’s eyes, but towering in its truth. She was healed.
At the same moment, Jesus stopped. He asked who had touched Him. It seemed a ridiculous question in the midst of the jostling crowd. With new-found strength, the woman pleaded guilty and fell trembling before Him.
“Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Back to Jairus
At that moment, news came that Jairus’ daughter was dead. Jesus was not deterred. He instructed Jairus not to fear but to believe. Arriving at the house, Jesus was met by mourners who knew their business. Knowing the girl was dead, they laughed at Jesus words of hope. He sent everyone out except the inner circle of His men and the parents. With simple words, He lifted her out of death commanding that food be given to her, proving she was no ghost. The girl’s parents were rightfully amazed but Jesus told them to hold on to their story, their daughter, and their faith. Power flowed from Jesus, unhindered by time and distance.
Scriptures:
Luke: 8:40-56
So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?'” But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your power is unlimited, unhindered by time and distance. Your power is released by faith, also unlimited by time and distance. Just one touch of Your holy hand and Your power flows into my life, into my need. Like the poor sick woman, I must press through the crowds of those who would hinder me. I will reach to You with my praise and I know a wave of grace will put me into Your Holy Presence. Like Jairus, I will bring my issues to You and follow Your commands knowing that Your love will always meet my needs. Through faith, I will touch You and in love, You will touch me! Thank You, Lord! Amen.
Song:
One Touch
Words and Music: Bonnie Plunkett
There’s healing in the name of Jesus
Healing in the touch of Jesus
One touch of His hand will lift you
Body mind and soul
Believe Him that His pow’r will Free you
Praise Him for His mercies t’ward you
Thank Him for His love
He longs to make you fully whole
Refrain:
Just one touch of the Master’s hand
Just one word He has full command
Have faith in what He wants to do
Is all He asks of you
There’s healing in the name of Jesus
Healing in the touch of Jesus
One touch of His Master’s hand will
Make you fully whole
