The Indirect Correlation Between Faith and Works

The famous line out of James regarding faith without works being dead, emphasizes the need to go and do; to know and believe is nothing without going and acting upon that faith.  These concepts have helped align many Christians with their faith, and put them into action.  But there appears to be more to this equation when we read about the life of the Savior, and the impact his presence made on those around him.

One of my favorite stories, which seems to have little fan fare, is in Mark Chapter 4.  Here the Savior is moving through a crowded street and is being pressed upon by the crowd.  By picturing the scene, we can see him possibly being jostled around as he makes his way through the crowded streets; shoulders being push against him, arms reaching out for him, bodies making full contact with the man that was causing so much attention.

Then somewhere down the street there was a woman, and looking up the street, saw the pressed crowd making their way down.  Within herself she knew it was the Savior, and she said, “If I but touch the hem of his clothes – I will be healed.”  The scriptures say she was sick with an issue of blood. 

As the crowd moved past where this woman sat, she reached through the crowd, touched his garment, and was healed.  By most accounts the Lord physically noticed something spiritual happen – and he stopped and asked a question.  It is the dialogue that follows that inadvertently teaches a lesson. 

For all intents and purposes the Lord asks, “Who touched me?” 

I can imagine the confusion as his disciples and apostles were gathered around him – thinking in their heads as they were reflected upon the crowd and the press as they moved down the street, “What are you talking about – everybody touched you!”

The Savior eventually readjusts his attention, finds the woman, and confirms that her faith made her whole.

But what about those thoughts that might have gone through the apostle’s head?  Weren’t they right – wasn’t he touched by many?  Yet, it was this woman that reached out, and with her faith was made whole.

In this event the Savior was touched by countless people, but only one we know of was healed.  Countless performed the physical act and work necessary to receive the same blessing, but only one received it.  James teaches us that faith without works is dead; but Mark teaches us through this experience that works without faith is equally dead.