Mark 5:31
And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
Mark 5:31 (KJV)
Context
Mark 5:31 is part of the narrative of Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood. In this account, a large crowd was pressing around Jesus, and He perceived that power had gone out from Him when a woman touched His garment. Jesus turned and asked who had touched Him, leading to the disciples’ question in Mark 5:31.
Meaning
The disciples point out to Jesus the vast number of people surrounding Him. The crowd was pressing in on Him, with many seeking to touch Him, hear His teaching, or receive healing. It is important to note that the crowd was physical and close to Jesus, but only one person’s touch drew His attention.
The disciples express surprise at Jesus’ question. In their minds, with so many people surrounding Jesus, it would be challenging to identify a specific individual who had touched Him. They wondered why Jesus would ask such a question in a bustling crowd. Their response is grounded in observation of the external circumstances, which makes Jesus’ inquiry seem unreasonable to them.
Jesus’ question goes beyond identifying the person who physically touched Him. It demonstrates His desire for a personal encounter with the people who come to Him in faith. Jesus was not merely concerned with the external crowd but also with individual hearts and their faith.
Biblical connections
The woman with the issue of blood had touched Jesus in faith, believing that if she could touch even the hem of His garment, she would be healed. Her faith made her whole (Mark 5:28-29). Jesus wanted to acknowledge her faith, as well as teach the disciples and the surrounding crowd about the power of personal faith in Him. The parallel account in Luke 8:45 confirms that Peter and those with him spoke, and that the crowd around Jesus denied touching Him, prompting their statement.
Application
Jesus is attentive to the individual amidst the crowd.
Genuine faith can lead to healing and restoration.
Jesus values personal encounters and relationships with His followers.
We are encouraged to approach Jesus with faith and seek a deeper connection with Him.
Reflection
The disciples’ question highlights a common human limitation: evaluating spiritual reality based on physical appearances. The crowd pressed against Jesus, but only one person’s touch drew His attention because it was a touch of faith. Jesus’ knowledge is not dependent on human perception; He looks beyond the external to see the heart.
