Since Jesus is our ultimate example, I want to look at how He did this. Jesus didn’t come to earth as a ghost or a spirit. He came in a physical body. John 1:14, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. That is important because that physical body would be the means through which He would bring about our redemption. By dying on the cross and being raised back to life.

But that physical body also gave Jesus the opportunity to touch people: to hold their hands when they were crying; to console them by putting a hand on their shoulder; to give a high five or to shake hands or to bow his head in prayer. All of these are possible because Jesus had a physical body.

Here is an incomplete list of the times Jesus demonstrated the power of physical touch in His ministry:

A man with leprosy (Matthew 8:2). Lepers would have been considered “unclean” and “untouchable” in the ancient world. But Jesus touches this man and heals him.

Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:15). Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever until Jesus touched her. After this, people brought many others to Jesus — people who were possessed by demons and dealing with various physical ailments.

Restoring the ability to see (Matthew 9:29; Matthew 20:34). Matthew records two different instances in which Jesus healed two blind men. In the first story, Jesus asks the two blind men, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” But what He actually says is closer to, “Are you faith-ing that I can do this?” The second time, Jesus was leaving Jericho and two blind men cry out, “Lord, have mercy on us!” And Jesus healed them.

Peter, James, and John at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:7). These three just witnessed Jesus in all of His glory, which was understandably frightening. But Jesus comes and touches them and says, in characteristic fashion, “Do not be afraid.”

Restoring the ability to hear and speak (Mark 7:33). Mark records this story of Jesus opening up a man’s ability to hear and speak.

Blessing the children (Mark 10:13-16). People were bringing their children to Jesus so that He could bless them. Imagine what He said to those children. I picture Him placing a hand on the shoulder of a little boy and saying, “You are so special.” I see Him embracing a young girl in a hug and saying, with a smile, “God loves you and He will always pursue you.” The disciples scoff at this because children were considered to be insignificant in the ancient world. But Jesus rebukes them. He sees the value in these little ones, so He continues to bless them by laying His hands on them.

Healing the ear of the high priest’s servant (Luke 22:51). When they came to arrest Jesus, Simon Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. But Jesus puts His healing touch on the servant and heals him. And following this, the guards take Him away. What power and strength and humility!

In every case, Jesus touches these people as a way of bringing healing, as a way of bringing comfort, as a way of consoling and caring for them. In every case, Jesus demonstrates supreme love through physical touch.

Is there someone in your life who needs your touch?

Could it be someone who is in pain?

Someone who is afraid?

Someone who has been told that they are “unclean?”

A child who needs to be blessed?

An enemy who has come to do you harm?

Could it be someone who is having difficulty seeing God’s plan for their life?

Someone who is having difficulty hearing God’s call on their life?

Is it possible that your hand on their shoulder, your secure embrace, could make all the difference to this person?