Mark 5 tells the story of a woman, desperate for healing, that reached out in a crowd and touched Jesus.  At the moment she did, Jesus realized he had been touched and asked who did it.  The disciples' response is priceless.  They said, "Look at this crowd pressing around you.  How can you ask, 'Who touched me?'"  A lot of people were walking with Jesus, bumping into him, touching him accidentally, but only one intentionally touched him, and in turn, was touched by him.

Was it possible this woman was the only one in the crowd in need of a miracle from Jesus?  Not likely.  Some were oblivious of their need.   Others were aware of their need, but never thought his touch might be the answer.  Still others may have believed Jesus could do it, but did not feel right in bothering him.  It wasn't the right time.  After all, he was walking to an important engagement at the time.

Aren't we sometimes the same way?  We often are oblivious to our real inner needs.  We can be so religious we fail to perceive our need for intimacy with Christ.  Maybe we feel our need, but are so busy trying to meet it on our own that we haven't taken time to allow Jesus' love to touch us.  Perhaps we don't believe that he will do it now, today.  We are waiting for the right moment, the right service, or the right person to pray.

But there was one woman who did touch him.  She was healed.  She was recognized.  She was blessed.  And she left in peace.  How do I know?  Because Jesus said in verse 34, "Daughter, your faith has made you well.  Go in peace.  Your suffering is over."  Jesus not only touched her physical need, but her emotional and spiritual need as well.

How about you today?  Are you walking with Jesus, unintentionally "bumping" into him when circumstances cause it?  Or are you intentionally trying to touch Jesus, to experience him in a very real and personal way?  To see him as the source for what you really need in life?  He is here, in the crowd of our day.  Take the time.  Be intentional.  Reach out with your heart.  Touch him.  He will respond, and neither you nor your day will be the same.

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