I’ve always been drawn to this story – the story of the sick woman who reached out and touched a piece of Christ’s robe as He walked through a crowd, and was healed instantly before Jesus even knew what had happened. All He knew was that healing power had gone out of Him.

What was it about her touch that made it any different from those around Him who were also touching Him? We know there were many because the disciples immediately wanted to know how Jesus could possibly ask such a question when people were pressing in on Him from all sides.

But Jesus and the woman made a connection and it was all her doing. She made this happen by going to Jesus and knowing He could help her. That’s why He told her that her faith had made her well. Her faith got her there. Her faith made her reach for Him. Her faith made her believe something would happen. “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” (Matthew 9:21)

I wonder what the others who were touching Him at the same time were thinking. Maybe a disciple was acting as a bodyguard, or a Pharisee wanted to see Him up close. It could have been a woman trying to protect Him, or a family member reveling in the glory. I can imagine a doubter, an unbeliever, or perhaps a man of means being up close and thinking, “What’s the big deal? He’s just a peasant like the rest of these people.”

In all of this, one woman touched Him, and she was never the same, because she touched Him in a different way.

Think about it. She got the power even without permission. Her faith made her a priority. When in need, you reach out for Jesus in faith, you will get immediate attention. This is what I find remarkable about this story. The need of a seemingly insignificant person, reaching out in faith, can sway the most significant power in the universe, while others stand by and never feel a thing. Right up next to royalty.

Sometimes, I think we make faith too complicated. This seems pretty simple to me:

1) You have a need.

2) You reach out to Jesus.

3) You believe He can do something about it.