Touch Me and See

October 25

(Luke 24:37-43 NIV) ““They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. {38} He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? {39} Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." {40} When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. {41} And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" {42} They gave him a piece of broiled fish, {43} and he took it and ate it in their presence.””

(Matthew 9:20-22 NIV) ““Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. {21} She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." {22} Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.””

(Matthew 14:35-36 NIV) “And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him {36} and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.”

Often you will hear people say, “That person needs a touch from God.” While it is true that Christ occasionally reached out and touched people, perhaps what is more needed in our culture today are people who desire to touch Him. Reaching out to touch the Lord reveals an active faith. Being touched by God is more passive. Both touches can bring miraculous results, but a desire to touch Jesus and be changed is the genesis of saving faith. The risen Christ invited the troubled and doubtful disciples to touch Him. They thought He might be a ghost. But Jesus said, “It is me. Touch me. I have real flesh and bones. Do you have something I could eat? Believe!” Jesus is risen, and He is looking for people who will seek Him and reach out for Him -- people who desire to touch Him and be healed. Is your faith actively seeking Jesus today? Find Him and touch Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day