The Touch of Faith

Mark 5:25 – 34

The power of the Lord is seen in three areas in this chapter.
1. Power over Demons. A man is delivered from demons. (1-20)
2. Power over Death. A Child is raised from death. (21-24;34-43)
3. Power over Disease. A Woman is healed of disease. (24-33)

A woman had a long standing disease (v.25); She grew worse under the care of her doctors. (v.26); She touched Jesus from behind. (v.27) She reasoned within herself. (v.28); She was immediately healed. (v.29) Power went out to her from Jesus. (v.30); Jesus inquired, “Who touched me ? (v.30); The disciples excused it and played it down. (v. 31); He looked around. (v.31); The woman confesses. (v.33); He gives a word of assurance to her. (v. 34)

I. A LONG STANDING PROBLEM.

A. This pictures our original sin problem.
B. This suggests also a habit or weakness that is in control.

II. THE MANY DOCTORS.

A. Social programs and secular psychology will not meet the need
B. We need a miracle from the Lord to deliver us.

III. TREMBLING FAITH.

A. Her faith was weak and small but the Lord honored it.
B. As one said, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.

IV. VIRTUE FROM CHRIST.

A. “Virtue” means power. It is from the word “dunimus”
B. The initiative was on her part, the miracle on his.

V. THE TOUCH.

A. Her faith did not work without contact. We must act on faith
B. Faith like Priests putting their feet in the Jordan.
C. Like the man stretching forth his hand.
D. Like the man who took up his bed and walked.

VI. AN OPEN CONFESSION.
Jesus insisted on her coming out into the open to identify with her act of faith. (Rom. 10:9; Matt. 10:32)

VII. HE CALLED HER DAUGHTER.

This speaks of relationship. We become children of God and are called sons. (John 1:12; I Jn. 2:3)

VIII. WONDERFUL PEACE.
A. The Concern for life after death is settled.
B. The days ahead in this life are settled.