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Power of Touch Read: Mark 1:40–45 Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 5–7; Hebrews 12 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. Mark 1:41 nlt Dr. Paul Brand, twentieth-century pioneer medical missionary to India, saw firsthand the stigma associated with leprosy. During an appointment, he touched a patient to reassure him treatment was possible. Tears began to stream down the man’s face. An attendant explained the tears to Dr. Brand, saying, “You touched him and no one has done that for years. They are tears of joy.” Early in His ministry, Jesus was approached by a man with leprosy, an ancient label for all types of infectious skin diseases. Because of his disease the man was required by the Old Testament law to live outside his community. If the sick man accidentally found himself in close proximity to healthy people, he had to call out, “Unclean! Unclean!” so they could avoid him (Leviticus 13:45–46). As a result, the man may have gone months or years without human contact. Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. Jesus had the power and authority to heal people with just a word (Mark 2:11–12). But as Jesus encountered a man whose physical illness left him feeling isolated and rejected, His touch assured the man that he was not alone but accepted. As God gives us opportunities, we can extend grace and show compassion with a gentle touch that conveys dignity and value. The simple, healing power of human touch goes a long way to remind hurting people of our care and concern. Lord Jesus, thank You for the personal way You reached out to care for hurting people. Help me to follow Your example and extend compassion in my actions. Caring for others may include a compassionate touch. 
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In my capacity as a nurse in long term facility, I was always touching or hugging my patients. I really did not understand how important that was until I was a widow. One day one of my patients came up behind me and started rubbing my shoulders and back as she talked to me. I almost cried because it was such a wonderful feeling. I made doubly sure to give my patients even more hugs and encouraging touches. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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