Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.
Laying on of hands is one of the topics that is to be considered in foundational teaching (Hebrews 6:1-3), but sadly churches do not take it up, like the other topics mentioned.
Today’s scripture talks of people getting healed by touching Jesus. This was not the first time; other Gospels mention different incidents where they touched Him, or He touched them, to heal them. People may think it was their great faith that enabled them to be healed. Actually, it is a lack of good faith that one needs to touch or be touched. It is human touch that encourages people to increase faith.
The Roman Centurion was admired for his faith by Jesus, for he did not need Jesus to come to do the healing of his servant, but simply speak/command it from wherever he was. In the case of the woman with an issue of blood, we see Jesus admire her faith since she risked her life by bending in a crowd to touch the hem of His garment (the blue hem of a Jew was his identification).
When we do things with understanding, then we see better results, so when we touch, it is not power that gets transferred like pagans believe in their rituals, but it is encouragement; thus we are called to be gentle in touch and touch in appropriate places that do not cause the opposite result.
It is faith (believing in the truth) that heals us.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. You, Lord, are a Merciful God. You are Spirit, and You understand only the language of faith. It is faith that allows us to receive all he mercy we need. Lord, we pray that when we lay hands, we understand power does not flow, but assurance and encouragement to receive…
We make this prayer in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Hebrews 6:1-3
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Mark 3:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Matthew 8:8-10
8 And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 And when Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.