I love going to the Galilee area in Israel, opening my Bible, and watching the Gospels literally come to life. It is impossible not to be changed when, suddenly, Jesus’ miracles around the shores of the Sea of Galilee become incredibly vivid.

Over 2/3 of Jesus’ ministry took place in a relatively small area around the Sea of Galilee, and two ancient villages often take center stage when I take groups to Israel. One is Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene and one of the 1st century synagogues that Jesus almost assuredly taught in. The other is Capernaum, known as Jesus’ hometown, though it was actually Peter’s hometown where Jesus often was a guest. Interestingly, there are more Biblical accounts of Jesus’ miracles in Capernaum than in any other place.

One such miracle was the healing of Jarius’ 12-year-old daughter. But ironically, on His way to heal that child, He also healed a woman with a 12-year issue of blood who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. It is that miracle that ties the villages of Capernaum and Magdala together today.

On one of the walls in a small prayer room at Magdala is a mural of the woman touching Jesus’ hem. Please read the miraculous account for yourself in Luke 8:40-56, then join my dear brother in Christ, Pastor Saleem, as he takes us into that very room to share about the miracle and the faith of that dear woman.

If you are facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge today, reach out and touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. That woman had faith enough to go to Jesus, reach out, and touch His garment. The same healing power that flowed from His body that day flows through the Holy Spirit in conjunction with the Word of God to you today. Reach out in faith and touch His hem.