Touch: The Ministry of Physical Contact

This article looks at how physical touch, most often through the hands, carries blessing, healing and identification in the Bible, and what it means to reach out and touch Jesus today.

Touch in the Old and New Testaments

Physical touch, most commonly through the hands, brings a personal dimension of identification with another through the symbolic transference of love, care, blessing and affection. In the Old Testament there was a symbolic transference of wrong when a sinner placed their hand on the innocent animal (before it was then slain) – a token of the sin passing from themselves to the animal (Lev 1:4, 4:27-31). Jesus often touched those He healed, and parents brought their children to Him to be blessed (Mt 8:3, 19:13-15; Mk 1:41, 10:13-16; Lk 5:13). At other times people touched Him or His garments, and “All who touched Him were healed” (Mt 14:36; Mk 3:10, 5:27-28, 6:56, 8:22).

However, there was a difference between the natural brushing or casual contact with Jesus that came with the crowds gathered around Him, and the desperate need and deliberate action of one who said, “If I but touch His garments I will be healed” (Mt 9:20-21). There was nothing special about the clothes of Jesus; they were just a trigger point that brought a release of faith. In a similar manner, handkerchiefs from Paul were taken to the sick and they were cured (Acts 19:11–12). Again, there was nothing significant in the means; rather, along with Paul, they were only objects through which God ministered His power.

Reach out to Jesus, and He will touch your life

Touching Jesus Today

When we connect with Jesus, we will be affected too. A crowd may brush against religion without result, yet one desperate, determined touch of faith changes everything. Am I desperate to make a determined effort to ‘touch’ Jesus, recognising Him as the source of all I need to be made whole?

Laying on of Hands with Integrity

Jesus said one of the signs that would follow believers is, “In my name...they will place their hands on sick people and they will recover” – hence, the term ‘laying on of hands’ which is often mentioned in the New Testament (Mk 16:17-18; Act 6:6, 9:17; Jas 5:14). In today’s world, be prudent when touching anyone, especially those of the opposite gender, and it is polite to ask, ‘May I place my hand on you?’ Normally this is acceptable on the head or shoulder but must always be done with integrity, and in the presence of others. It is imperative that men act with caution and restraint around women and children (of any gender) so their actions, even though done with a pure motive, are not misconstrued.

Boundaries help us treat each other with respect and care

The Bible says, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” (1 Chr 16:22; Ps 105:15). These verses, taken out of context, are sometimes used to shield certain preachers from scrutiny and criticism regarding their unbiblical teaching.

Reflection and Application

Am I desperate to make a determined effort to ‘touch’ Jesus each day?
Do I treat physical touch as a meaningful expression of love, care and blessing?
When I pray for others, do I ask permission and act with integrity and restraint?
What deliberate step of faith will I take this week to connect with Jesus?