February 16

 

 

 

The Touch That Transforms

 

Matthew 19:13-15

There are many types of touch—such as the encouraging pat on the back, the comforting hug, and a parent's loving squeeze. Each conveys something unique and can communicate powerfully.

No matter what the situation was, Jesus knew just how to touch people—sometimes with His hand but always with His heart. Consider how lives were affected by coming in contact with Him. For instance, in today's reading, Jesus called the children to Himself, placed His hand upon those little ones, and blessed them.

With His physical touch, the Savior also cured many illnesses. Peter's mother-in-law was immediately better when Jesus placed His hand on hers (Matt. 8:14-15). Later, when soldiers and religious leaders came to arrest Christ, Peter struck the high priest's servant and cut off his ear. The Lord, however, lovingly reached out and healed the injury (Luke 22:50-51).

Other times, Jesus used words to impact people. For example, when He told Lazarus to come out of the grave, the dead man arose (John 11:43-44). Christ also healed a paralytic by speaking to him (Matt. 9:6). And the Samaritan woman's life was transformed through a mere conversation with the Savior (John 4:7-29). She felt His heart even though there was no physical touch.

God touches us today as well. We can't experience Him physically hugging us or placing a hand of blessing upon our heads, but His Word, His Spirit, and His truth move us in the depths of our being. Jesus feels our pain and moves us, giving us salvation and transforming our lives.