This past year I have been working in a hospital as a Physical Therapist Assistant. From a clinical standpoint I spend my day strengthening, repositioning, and educating patients on safe and effective mobility. More recently I have been looking at my job through the lens of ministry; therefore, I now see my day being spent touching people.
Reflecting back in my life to the moments I felt the most loved, I began to see a common theme. It was when my mom stroked my face when I was sick. When little Kathy from Africa would jump into my arms every morning, hug me so tight, and let minutes pass by before she let go. It was when my friend washed and massaged my feet for me after a smelly four hour soccer practice. When a dying cancer patient in the hospital cupped my face with her hands and told me how beautiful I was. It was the moments of physical touch.
Kathy and me In Sierra Leone
One of my favorite stories in the bible is when Jesus healed the man with leprosy. I had always looked over a very significant part of this healing. Luke 1:41 says “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” This verse shed a whole new light of how I now see Jesus. For a disease that turned one into an untouchable, Jesus was able to meet a need that no religious leader or preacher of that day would love enough to do; but Jesus loved enough. He loved enough to touch the blind mans eyes for him to see. He loved enough to not shame a prostitute for touching him. He loved enough to wash his own disciple’s feet. He loved enough to allow the nails to physically pierce his own flesh. He loved enough to allow doubting Thomas to touch the holes in his hands so he would believe he was the resurrected Christ.
Kathy and me In Sierra Leone
One of my favorite stories in the bible is when Jesus healed the man with leprosy. I had always looked over a very significant part of this healing. Luke 1:41 says “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” This verse shed a whole new light of how I now see Jesus. For a disease that turned one into an untouchable, Jesus was able to meet a need that no religious leader or preacher of that day would love enough to do; but Jesus loved enough. He loved enough to touch the blind mans eyes for him to see. He loved enough to not shame a prostitute for touching him. He loved enough to wash his own disciple’s feet. He loved enough to allow the nails to physically pierce his own flesh. He loved enough to allow doubting Thomas to touch the holes in his hands so he would believe he was the resurrected Christ.
We may all accept touch at different levels; however, the experience of physical love in my life and the physical love of Christ throughout his life only leads me to believe that touch is an integral part to ministry and sharing the Gospel.
“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” Matthew 8:3
