“And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!”” Luke 8:45 ESV
Reflection: how is it possible to be close with someone and not connected with them?
A huge crowd pressing up against Jesus, yet one person “touched” him? And by doing so, received healing? This story is so fascinating, we must take some time to consider it, even if perhaps familiar.
There are countless stories of couples meeting for the first time in a crowded setting. And out of this crowd, an attraction between just two people, a connection, somehow, often without even words exchanged. Many refer to this as a “spark” or a “fire”. And you can tell when couples have this fire.
As Luke was trying to describe what happened in our story of the bleeding woman who “touched” the Lord, he is using the Greek word “hapto” to describe the touch, which really means “to kindle fire”. Even used in the Bible to describe an intimate relationships between a husband and wife. This wasn’t just a “touch” from being physically close to the Lord. No, it was a real connection. She truly connected with him, which is why Jesus said,
“Who was it that touched me?”
“Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”” Luke 8:46b ESV. Now, remember this was the woman who initiated the “touch”. If you search for where else this word “hapto” is translated to “touched”, you will find that it is generally used where Jesus healed someone by “touching” them. It wasn’t just a physical touch; it was a connection, of fire, sharing of himself.
Not everyone could receive this touch. You might remember the time he was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, “And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.” Mark 6:5 ESV. People’s hard hearts, the lack of ability to “kindle a fire” with the people there prevented him from giving them what he desired. Giving them life. Only a few sick people.
And the story is clearly interesting for us to consider as well, of our own relationship with the Lord. Are we simply observing him from a safe distance? Are we pressing close to learn more as the crowd did, but not really connected, perhaps even skeptical at times? Or are we all in, connected with him, even daring to be touched by his fire?
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV.