This verse from Mark 5:31 highlights the apparent absurdity of Jesus' question in the context of a large, jostling crowd. Let's break it down:
"His disciples said to him...": This sets the scene and identifies the speakers. The disciples are responding to Jesus' previous question.
"You see the multitude pressing against you...": This describes the situation. The crowd is large and actively surrounding Jesus, pushing against him. This is a common scene in the Gospels, as people often sought Jesus out for healing and teaching.
"...and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”: This refers to Jesus' seemingly odd question. He felt power leave him and asked who had touched him.
The Meaning & Significance:
The disciples' statement underscores the following:
Obviousness of Physical Contact: From their perspective, it's obvious that many people are touching Jesus. It's a densely packed crowd, so accidental and purposeful contact is inevitable. Their question is somewhat sarcastic or incredulous. They can't fathom why Jesus would ask such a question when he's surrounded by people pushing and shoving.
The Difference Between Physical and Spiritual Touch: The disciples are focused on the physical act of touching. They don't understand that Jesus is talking about a different kind of touch, a touch of faith. Someone intentionally reached out to him believing in his power to heal.
Jesus' Sensitivity to the Flow of Power: Jesus is aware of a specific instance where power flowed out of him. This demonstrates his connection to the divine and his ability to perceive spiritual energy.
The Importance of Intentional Faith: Jesus isn't simply healed by being touched. The woman (who we later learn is healed) touched him with a specific intention: to be healed. Her faith activated the power within him.
In essence, the verse highlights the contrast between the disciples' mundane understanding of the situation and Jesus' deeper perception of the spiritual reality at play. It sets the stage for the encounter with the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years and underscores the importance of faith in receiving healing.
This verse from Mark 5:31 highlights the apparent absurdity of Jesus' question in the context of a large, jostling crowd. Let's break it down:
"His disciples said to him...": This sets the scene and identifies the speakers. The disciples are responding to Jesus' previous question.
"You see the multitude pressing against you...": This describes the situation. The crowd is large and actively surrounding Jesus, pushing against him. This is a common scene in the Gospels, as people often sought Jesus out for healing and teaching.
"...and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”: This refers to Jesus' seemingly odd question. He felt power leave him and asked who had touched him.
The Meaning & Significance:
The disciples' statement underscores the following:
Obviousness of Physical Contact: From their perspective, it's obvious that many people are touching Jesus. It's a densely packed crowd, so accidental and purposeful contact is inevitable. Their question is somewhat sarcastic or incredulous. They can't fathom why Jesus would ask such a question when he's surrounded by people pushing and shoving.
The Difference Between Physical and Spiritual Touch: The disciples are focused on the physical act of touching. They don't understand that Jesus is talking about a different kind of touch, a touch of faith. Someone intentionally reached out to him believing in his power to heal.
Jesus' Sensitivity to the Flow of Power: Jesus is aware of a specific instance where power flowed out of him. This demonstrates his connection to the divine and his ability to perceive spiritual energy.
The Importance of Intentional Faith: Jesus isn't simply healed by being touched. The woman (who we later learn is healed) touched him with a specific intention: to be healed. Her faith activated the power within him.
In essence, the verse highlights the contrast between the disciples' mundane understanding of the situation and Jesus' deeper perception of the spiritual reality at play. It sets the stage for the encounter with the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years and underscores the importance of faith in receiving healing.