A Balm In Gilead

Intro

Jeremiah suggested metaphorically that there was a balm in Gilead to heal sinful nations (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11)? What or who is that balm? It's not Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment or McNess Krestol Salve. Purpose: Let’s understand why we and our world need the healing touch of Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus healing a woman and a little girl applies to us in Mark 5:21-43.

Jairus’ Daughter

Mark 5:21-24 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

Laying on of hands is one of the elementary principles of Christianity (Hebrews 6:1-2). It is used to sanctify an offering (Leviticus 4:15), ordination (Numbers 8:10), the giving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18), and healing (Mark 16:18; Acts 28:8; James 5:14).

She Touched His Clothes

Mark 5:25-34 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Quarantine

In the Old Testament quarantine was part of the clean and unclean laws. Yet she touched Jesus in faith believing that as soon as she did, she would be clean. Some observant Jews were like germaphobes going to extremes to avoid touching any unclean thing. Jesus showed no such fear, but readily touched the sick to heal them.

Jesus called the woman who touched him, a very friendly term. Rather than being repulsed by her unclean touch, he broke segregation barriers. Unlike the disciples in the boat who were saved by Jesus apart from their faith, this woman was healed because of her faith.

The Healing Touch

At baptism or confirmation we lay hands on candidates. It is a sacrament, a spiritual blessing accompanying a physical act. Eternally saving our unclean souls is the most important healing. Olive oil with the laying on of hands, is used in anointing the sick. It reminds us of the hands of Jesus touching, healing. Our greatest sickness is sin? The real answer to national ills is not in legislation or finances or military might, but in the healing touch of Jesus.

Faith with Fear

Can faith be mixed with fear? Was it because she broke the rules of unclean people being quarantined? Was it because she probably also touched many other people in the crowd? What social taboos will we risk to be saved by Jesus? Being healed and saved are often the same word in the original Bible languages. Do we fear what others may think? We too come to touch Jesus.

The Lord’s Joy

Broken, we may be reluctant to go to church. Have we had a bad experience? Are we ashamed and avoid people? Do we too approach Jesus secretly, hiding? He commended her for her faith in coming. Our Lord is glad that we came for the healing touch of Jesus.

Do Not be Afraid

Mark 5:35-39 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”