Mark 5:30-31
Crime
scene investigations have become very popular television programs. They come in
many different shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is figuring out “whodunit.”
Some explore what is would have been like before DNA testing and laser
spectrometry (Inspector Moorse). Some even look back to the days before
fingerprint were used as identifying markers (Cadfael). Some even push into the
future inventing technology that doesn’t exist (Doctor Who). Some specialize in
particular types of crimes (SVU).
No
matter what particular twist is taken in these shows they all feed on our human
desire to solve mysteries. We start asking questions as toddlers in order to
fill in the blanks in our world. We want to know why the sky is blue and when
we find out have more questions. This is a primary way that we learn. We ask
questions. Maybe not out loud, or to other people, but we often ask questions
to ourselves and then seek answers.
The
woman in our text has just touched Jesus clothes and been healed. She is trying
to slip back into the crowd that is gathered in order to make her escape. That
was her plan. Silent and unnoticed. In and out. But Jesus has other plans
Jesus
notices that someone has received healing be believing touching Him will bring
that healing. This person has faith in Him, but not a mature faith. It is a
magical faith. Jesus wants to bring a fullness to that belief that will free
her from more than just the bleeding. Jesus wants to restore her to fullness of
life and relationship.
So
when He asks “who touched me?” He is doing it to complete her restoration.
Jesus knows who she is. Remember, He is God. He asks to bring her closer, not
to solve a mystery.
But
Jesus’ disciples question Jesus’ experience. They think Jesus is just being overly
sensitive. Lots of people are touching Him. We are in a crowd, after all.
Jesus’
question is about restoration of the woman, not solving a mystery. He knows
that before she is whole, she must identify herself. Her healing involves more
than the cessation of bleeding. She needs to be restored to the community.
Jesus’
disciples are again one step behind. They think Jesus is just getting overly
sensitive about being in crowds. You’re in a crowd. What do you expect? Everyone
is getting touched. It’s no big deal. Let it go. At that point they are way
behind the power curve. Jesus wants to give the woman an opportunity for
relationship with Him.
Disagreeing
with Jesus is not a good thing when it dulls your relationship with Him. The
disciples think they have figured out what is going on in that moment. But they
were wrong. When something doesn’t seem right, and we begin disagreeing with
the LORD, trying to put Him in His place, passing on all our wisdom to the
LORD, then we are in a bad place. Anytime we disagree with God, we are in the
wrong.