The Power Of Touch
by Dan Jones, M.D.
Luke 5: 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
Early in my career as a physician, I formed a habit of spending a good bit of time feeling the pulse of each patient. I would often begin this early in the encounter, even as the patient was still recounting the medical history. Of course, there were medical reasons to feel the pulse. I came to understand I could perceive much about the patient's physical condition from the character of the pulse. But, importantly, this prolonged touch gave a sense of connection between the physician and the patient. This was important to me, and I had many patients comment to me over the years that it was important to them, also.
The power of touch is a special gift from God. Jesus clearly had a very special gift of touch. As we read this brief story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy, there are lessons for us as health professionals to learn about our power of touch, as well.
Jesus, in this encounter with a patient with leprosy did not have to touch the person. It was not socially acceptable to touch a leper. And the Jewish laws discouraged this kind of direct physical contact. And we understand it was not necessary for Jesus to touch the man with leprosy in order to heal him. The gospels record several episodes of Jesus healing without touching the person, some even at great distances.
The touch of Jesus was not only healing, it was also a sign of acceptance. The common thought at the time was that the leprosy likely was a result of some great sin. Jesus demonstrated that all, even this man with leprosy, are worthy of God's love, and our touch.
Lord, thank you for your example of healing and loving through the human contact of touch. Help me use your gift of touch as I deal with my patients.
Dan Jones, M.D., MACP, FAHA, a board-certified Internist, a former medical missionary to Korea, professor of medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Chancellor of the University of Mississippi until 2015. Dr. Dan Jones is a member of CMDA.
Dr. Jones welcomes any comments or questions about what he has written and can be reached at - djones@umc.edu
Rounds with the Master, Spiritual Pearls from the Great Physician Devotionals are released every Monday and Thursday.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
