a touch from Jesus.

Read Scripture: Mark 5:24-34

I lived in Europe for a summer a couple of years ago. It was one of the most incredible and difficult experiences of my entire life. The cultural immersion, the ministry we were doing, the relationships—it all felt like a lot on some days. I grew in my relationship with Jesus, and I really believe it’s because my eyes were opened to how much I need Him to simply do daily life!

Because we shared rooms, we didn’t have much space to ourselves so we would often retreat to the stairwell of the hostel we were living in. Despite getting kicked out several times (oops), it was one of the quietest places we could find. No matter how long or hard the day felt or how tired and homesick I was, I knew I could bring my Bible and my journal and retreat to the stairwell to meet with Jesus, just me and Him. The nearness to Him in that place was my lifeline, and carried me through the hardest and longest days and made the good days even more joyful.

I knew that if I could just be with Him in those sacred moments, I could take a deep breath. Nearness to Jesus was where I found life and everything that I needed. 

In chapter 5 of Mark, we meet a broken, suffering woman in need of Jesus. She isn’t given a name in this story, but we know that she had been bleeding for many years. According to Jewish law, bleeding for this long not only caused her to suffer physically, but it also meant she was ritually unclean and anyone she touched would also become unclean. It was as if she had a disease that could be transferred just by the touch. This woman was a suffering and lonely outcast who was losing all hope in the possibility of healing.

But God had more for her. 

“If I could just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Mark 5:28 

Even when all hope seemed lost for this woman experiencing long-suffering, Jesus became a glimmer of hope—a light in the darkness of her pain. In the darkness of this world, we find hope in Jesus. We are promised that trouble will come, but Jesus says, “take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 

In normal circumstances, her touch would have made Jesus ritually unclean and impure, but instead, Jesus purifies and cleanses her. What a good King with great power. The light and healing power of Jesus would not be overcome by the darkness of her illness or her shame. She is instantly healed and experiences the relief of just the simple touch of Jesus. A deep breath.  

Jesus approaches her gently, giving her the freedom and restoration her soul longs for—

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:34

It is in nearness to Jesus that we witness and experience His love and restoration. Our circumstances are completely different from the woman in this story, but we aren’t much different from her. We are desperate for the love of Jesus and in need of Him every moment of our lives to bring hope and healing! When I read stories in scripture of Jesus, dwelling with us and bringing restoration and hope to the lives of the broken and suffering, it only makes me want to know Him more and to be nearer to Him every moment. 

Jesus wants to meet you where you are at, and speaks life into the suffering and brokenness you are experiencing. Look up and rejoice—Jesus is near to you today! Xoxo,

Andee Lee <3