a single touch
The first mention of Jesus touching someone comes in Matthew chapter 8. This is immediately after the sermon on the mount where Jesus taught what the Bible tells us were great crowds of people. He is coming down from the mount and walking along the road when this is what happens:
When He came down from the mountain, great crowds followed Him. And behold, a leper came to Him and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out His hand and touched Him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” - Matthew 8:1-4
What the leper did was actually against the Jewish laws; it was a bold and risky plan on his part. But then what did he have to lose? Jesus didn't have to touch this man. A single word would have sufficed. Jesus didn't have to defile Himself by touching one who was unclean. Jesus didn't have to touch him to heal him. There are plenty of stories about how Jesus healed people who He never even met. He does not have to be physically present to heal someone.
And I think that is what makes the fact that He touched the leper that much more amazing. Touch heals and restores. This man needed the healing of his skin disease, but more than that he needed the healing touch of the hand of God.
Did you know that when babies "needs" are all met, but they aren't touched they die? Did you know that when babies aren't held and cuddled and touched their brains do not develop correctly? Did you know that when we humans do not encounter the loving touch of another we tend not to thrive physically, emotionally or mentally? We need touch in order to be happy and healthy.
God knows that because He created us. Lepers were the untouchables. They were unclean and anyone who touched them was considered unclean and therefore unable to go into the Temple and worship God. By touching this man Jesus not only gave him his health back, but He touched a much deeper heart issue. He touched one who was untouchable and brought him into the healing presence of God. This is why God is the Great Physician because His healing is complete healing. He doesn't just heal the physical problem, He heals the whole person.
The power of a simple touch will never cease to amaze me. I am so humbled and blessed that God has given me the gift of touch, that He allows me to experience this part of His being in such a real and every day way. I am extremely humbled that I will make my living simply from touching people, and I pray that God would ever teach me to be a good steward of His incredible gift.
When He came down from the mountain, great crowds followed Him. And behold, a leper came to Him and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out His hand and touched Him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” - Matthew 8:1-4
What the leper did was actually against the Jewish laws; it was a bold and risky plan on his part. But then what did he have to lose? Jesus didn't have to touch this man. A single word would have sufficed. Jesus didn't have to defile Himself by touching one who was unclean. Jesus didn't have to touch him to heal him. There are plenty of stories about how Jesus healed people who He never even met. He does not have to be physically present to heal someone.
And I think that is what makes the fact that He touched the leper that much more amazing. Touch heals and restores. This man needed the healing of his skin disease, but more than that he needed the healing touch of the hand of God.
Did you know that when babies "needs" are all met, but they aren't touched they die? Did you know that when babies aren't held and cuddled and touched their brains do not develop correctly? Did you know that when we humans do not encounter the loving touch of another we tend not to thrive physically, emotionally or mentally? We need touch in order to be happy and healthy.
God knows that because He created us. Lepers were the untouchables. They were unclean and anyone who touched them was considered unclean and therefore unable to go into the Temple and worship God. By touching this man Jesus not only gave him his health back, but He touched a much deeper heart issue. He touched one who was untouchable and brought him into the healing presence of God. This is why God is the Great Physician because His healing is complete healing. He doesn't just heal the physical problem, He heals the whole person.
The power of a simple touch will never cease to amaze me. I am so humbled and blessed that God has given me the gift of touch, that He allows me to experience this part of His being in such a real and every day way. I am extremely humbled that I will make my living simply from touching people, and I pray that God would ever teach me to be a good steward of His incredible gift.
Oh, such beautiful words... You are such a gifted writer! It is simple things like this that we often take for granted. Thank you for sharing this today!
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