Why Jesus Asked: ‘Who Touched Me’?

Understanding the Significance of Jesus’ Question: “Who Touched Me?”

The New Testament recounts a multitude of events that showcase the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. One particularly profound moment occurs in the Gospel of Mark (5:30-34), where Jesus, amidst a throng of people, suddenly asks, “Who touched me?” This question emerges after a woman suffering from a debilitating condition for twelve years reaches out in faith to touch the hem of His garment. This brief interaction is laden with theological depth, illustrating the nature of faith, power, and the relationship between Jesus and those He healed.

The Meaning Behind “Who Touched Me?”

When Jesus asks, “Who touched me?” it’s essential to understand the context. The crowd is pressing around Him, everyone eager to be near the healer, yet only one person’s touch results in a tangible transfer of power. Jesus felt a “power go out from him,” indicating a unique and intimate connection between Him and the woman. This moment is not merely about physical healing but encapsulates a profound spiritual truth: Jesus’ power is accessible to those who reach out in faith.

The woman, trembling and afraid, recognises that she has been healed and comes forward. Her act of touching Jesus was not just a physical interaction but a demonstration of faith in His ability to heal. In this, we learn that true faith often involves a personal encounter with Jesus, a willingness to step beyond societal norms (as the woman was considered unclean due to her condition), and the courage to reach out in desperation.

Moreover, Jesus’ inquiry about who touched Him serves to honour the woman. In a society that often overlooked the marginalised, Jesus elevates her story, shifting attention from the crowd to the individual who sought healing. This teaches us the importance of acknowledging personal faith journeys and the transformative power of God’s love and grace in individual lives.

When Jesus Could Not Perform Mighty Works

The Gospels also recount instances where Jesus was unable to perform mighty works, notably in His hometown of Nazareth. In Mark 6:5-6, it is stated that “He could not do any mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.” This passage raises essential questions about the interplay between faith and divine power.

Jesus’ inability to perform miracles in Nazareth was directly linked to the people’s lack of faith. Despite witnessing His teachings and miracles, the familiarity they had with Him as the carpenter’s son bred scepticism and unbelief. This highlights a vital truth: faith is a prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of God’s power in our lives.

The lesson here is twofold. First, it underscores the importance of faith in our relationship with God. Faith opens the door for divine intervention and healing, while doubt can act as a barrier. Second, it reminds us of the human tendency to limit God through our perceptions and preconceptions. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, chose to honour the agency of human belief. Thus, the dynamics of faith and God’s power are intertwined, illustrating that while God is all-powerful, He often operates within the framework of human belief and trust.

The inquiry of “Who touched me?” coupled with the accounts of Jesus’ inability to perform miracles due to unbelief teaches us profound lessons about faith, connection, and the nature of divine power. Faith is not merely a passive belief; it is an active reaching out toward the Divine, acknowledging our need for healing and grace. In our lives, we are invited to explore our faith, understand its importance, and recognise how our belief can unlock the transformative power of God.

In a world often characterised by scepticism and doubt, these narratives urge us to cultivate a faith that is both personal and communal. By reaching out to the Divine, in whatever way we are led to perceive God, with authenticity, we can experience the depths of God’s love, healing, and the mighty works that flow from a relationship grounded in trust and belief.