“But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”” (Luke 8:46)
In this passage, Jesus is in the midst of a large crowd – Luke says it almost crushed him. As he slowly made his way through the throng, a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. According to Jewish ceremonial laws, she was considered “unclean.” She should not be out in public, and certainly shouldn’t be touching others – especially a respected rabbi.
But when she touched Jesus, her bleeding stopped immediately.
And so did Jesus. “Who touched me? Somebody touched me.”
I love this. Somebody touched me. Here she was – a nobody in her hometown. She was a nobody in the massive crowd. She was a nobody, even in her own religious community. But as soon as she touched Jesus, he stopped.
Who touched me?
“Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’” (Luke 8:45) Of course someone touched you. Lots of people are touching you! Look at all your fans. Look at the paparazzi!”
“No,” Jesus replied, “this was different. This was someone special.”
The woman admitted that she was the one and explained how she had been healed instantly. Jesus responded: “…Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)
Jesus didn’t just heal her, he stopped and talked to her. He called her “Daughter.” That’s a name of belonging if I’ve ever heard one. A daughter in God’s family. A daughter of Abraham. She belonged.
Isn’t that beautiful? Friend, you may feel like a nobody, but you are somebody to Jesus. Others may overlook you, but he notices you!
He says to you today, my child, “…I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3) And I believe he has a miracle waiting for you, too.
Join us Sunday and we’ll look together at this great story and learn some principles of growing our faith in my series, “How Firm a Foundation.” See you then!
