In Mark 5, we are told the story of a man named Jairus seeking out Jesus’ help for his daughter, who was deathly ill. We are told that as Jesus goes with Jairus, he passes through a town, and a large group gathers and crowds around Jesus.
Within this crowd, there is a woman who had been sick for 12 years. The text tells us that she had spent all her money on doctors who were unable to help her condition. She finds herself pushing through the crowd to get to Jesus, thinking to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Sure enough, she makes her way to Jesus, touches His robe, and is instantly healed.
There is something about this story that causes me to stop and wonder. I’ve noticed that as the woman approaches Jesus, the people surrounding Him are a barrier that she has to navigate. I would like to say this is not a normal circumstance, but if I’m honest I know that the people surrounding Jesus can be a barrier for others to meet my Savior.
And if I’m really honest, I know that there are times when my actions serve as a barrier for others to meet my Jesus. Like this story, those of us surrounding Jesus are usually well-intentioned. Still, our attitudes, actions, and words can keep others from experiencing the joy and freedom found only in Christ.
To those of you who find yourselves intrigued by Jesus but pause because of those surrounding Him, I want to offer you two things. One is my apology. Many of us are trying every day to be more and more like Jesus. The problem is we all fall short. We call ourselves Christians only through God’s mercy and grace. We are all simply beggars who know where the bread is. The second thing I want to offer you is encouragement. Jesus is well worth navigating through the crowd of his followers to reach out to Him in faith.
And to those who call ourselves Christians, let us renew our commitment to point others to Jesus instead of acting like a barrier. We have been called to be ‘salt and light.’ May our actions, attitudes, and words point others to Jesus instead of away from Him.
