The Touch

worlddic.com, J. Parker, D. D.

Mark 5:24-34

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.…

I. THE PATIENT. Note: what courage and spirit she displayed; Her resolute determination; Her marvellous hopefulness.

II. THE DIFFICULTIES OF THIS WOMAN'S FAITH. The disease: long-standing: incurable. Her frequent disappointments. Her own unworthiness. Her present poverty. Her extreme sickness.

III. THE VANISHING POINT OF ALL HER DIFFICULTIES. All her thoughts have gone toward the Lord Jesus. She has forgotten herself; forgotten the rampant fury of her disease; forgotten her being behind and out of sight: and even her own touch of Him she has put into a secondary place. All that she looks for must come out of Him. If seeking sinners would but think more of Christ, all would be well.

IV. HER GRAND SUCCESS. She was healed immediately. She knew that she was healed. She has next the assurance from Christ that she was healed. The wine that cometh out of these grapes is this: the slightest connection with Jesus will bless us.

worlddic.comApply this thought —

I. TO SPIRITUAL EXISTENCES. If I touch but a grain of sand or a bud, I find the Mighty One.

II. TO THE SCHEME OF SPIRITUAL PROVIDENCE. Review your own life from infancy.

III. TO THE PROCESSES OF SPIRITUAL EDUCATION. It is a great thing to see God in heavens rich with systems of suns; it is a grander faith, surely, to see Him in a speck of dust.

IV. TO THE USES OF SPIRITUAL ORDINANCES. The hymn, the prayer, the lesson, the mere form itself may do men good. Application: The hand must touch Christ, not an apostle, or a minister, or an angel — but God the Son. You may have touched many without benefit; touch HIM and you will live.

(J. Parker, D. D.)