Go Beyond

Poipet, Cambodia

I have often wondered about the hands of Jesus and what it must have been like to feel His touch. His hands figure prominently in almost every episode of healing in the Gospels. Although He could have healed with just a single thought or word, He often stretched out His hand and touched those in need of a miracle.

Touching others was something that set Jesus apart from the religious leaders of His day. He touched and helped people that nobody wanted to touch — lepers, sick people, poor people, blind people, outcasts, and children.

On one occasion, when He came across the funeral for the only son of a poor widow, Jesus actually stopped the funeral procession. And what did he do? He touched the coffin, commanded life to re-enter the boy’s lifeless body, and then gave the boy back to his mother. Jesus understood the power of a touch and there was certainly power in His touch.

In his book “Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity,” author Mark Batterson observed: “Research has shown that touch has the power to fight viruses, relieve stress, improve sleep, and help us recover more quickly from injury. … The power of touch, even on a human plane, is an amazing thing. But when you add the power of God to the equation, it sets the stage for something supernatural.”

As Christ-followers, we are the hands of Jesus today. I observed this truth in a meaningful and practical way throughout the day. Leslie held the hand of every single child and adult who sat in the dentist chair while Dr. Walker did his work. Our women held hands with or embraced the women who came forward for prayer after today’s teaching sessions. Even the stray dog that wandered into the room became the beneficiary of a tummy rub.

At the end of the day we drove down the road to the Imparting Smiles Children’s Center where we held and embraced the kids we have grown to love over the past few years. Holding hands is important to these kids. They flocked to us and fought for position to have us hold their hands or give them a hug. Even they understand the importance of a human touch.

Mother Teresa taught the world the value of touching the least of these. She often reminded her Missionaries of Charity about the importance of a human touch. She insisted, “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do this humble work.”

Mother Teresa was right. There is something both humbling and tender about touching those who are hurting, frightened, or in desperate need. In his book “Dirty God: Jesus in the Trenches,” author Johnnie Moore points out that touching others is a sign of intimacy. “It is a bridge not just from a hand to a shoulder,” he writes, “but also from a heart to a heart.” May we always look for opportunities to build bridges by allowing Jesus to use our hands to do His humble work.