Scripture References: Mark 5:24-34; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Genesis 1; Mark 3:13-19

Intro: We continue our series focused on "Beholding Jesus." It's essential to move beyond merely talking about Him or being around Him to actually encountering Him personally. Mark 5 tells a powerful story of a woman whose life was transformed not just by being near Jesus, but by reaching out in faith to touch Him.

Key Points:

1. Proximity Isn't Encounter (Mark 5:30-31): A large crowd pressed around Jesus, bumping into Him. Yet, Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" when power went out. Many can be around Jesus (in church, reading Scripture) without truly touching Him in faith. Don't settle for being part of the crowd; seek a personal encounter.
2. Encounter Reshapes Identity: The woman was known only by her affliction ("woman with the issue of blood"). Her suffering defined her. An encounter with Jesus redefines us. He saw her not just as her issue, but addressed her as "Daughter." Like He renamed Simon Peter, Jesus speaks a new identity over us when we connect with Him (cf. Mark 3:16).
3. Encounter Provides the True Remedy: This woman had tried many cures ("doctors") for 12 years, spending everything, only getting worse. We often turn to ineffective "cures" for our inner ache (addictions, distractions, etc.). Encountering Jesus reveals Him as the only true remedy, often found when we're out of our own options and sick of our false cures.
4. Encounter Requires Persistent Faith:
   • Just Enough Faith: Her faith wasn't perfect, but desperate: "If I just touch his clothes..." Faith's object (Jesus) matters more than its amount. Just enough faith to reach out is enough.
   • Pressing Through: She actively pushed through the crowd and commotion to reach Him. We must press past obstacles (doubt, busyness, fear) to connect with Him.
   • Pursuing His Back: Jesus was heading somewhere else. She pursued Him even from behind. We must pursue Him even when He feels distant or focused elsewhere.
5. Jesus's Compassionate Response: He didn't just let the healing happen anonymously. He stopped, sought her out, affirmed her faith publicly ("Daughter, your faith has healed you"), and gave her peace. He meets our seeking faith with searching compassion.

Conclusion: A true encounter with Jesus changes everything. It redefines who we are, provides the ultimate remedy for our brokenness, and requires us to actively pursue Him in faith. Don't just be near Him; reach out and touch Him.

Call to Action:

• Move beyond just being "in the crowd." Actively pursue a personal encounter with Jesus today.
• What "issue" defines you? Bring it to Jesus and let Him speak your true identity as His son/daughter.
• Identify false "cures" you rely on; turn to Jesus as your sufficient remedy.
• Reach out in faith, however small, even if He feels distant. Touch Him.

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