“16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” Mark 10:16
When Jesus placed his hands on the children’s head and blessed them, either something happened, or it didn’t. Of course, most of us believe that something happened. But how? Through the laying on of hands.
This is a delicate subject matter. For many, it seems superstitious and overly spiritual to buy into this concept. It’s hard for us to grasp the idea that something happens just by touch — but it’s a similar narrative that is woven all through scripture.
- Issac laid hands on Jacob and blessed him.
- Aaron laid hands on a goat to receive the sins of Israel.
- Elijah laid his mantle on Elisha transferring his anointing.
- Jesus laid his hands on the children and blessed them.
- Peter laid hands on a lame man and he was healed.
- Paul laid hands on the gentiles and they received the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 6:1-3 says, “1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.”
The laying on of hands is one of the six fundamental teachings of Christ — this is significant. It’s a clear sign that the laying on of hands should be a role in the Christian life. But why?
Some things can’t be taught, they can only be caught.
This is why it’s so important who you surround yourself with. I believe that you will catch the attitudes of your closest friends, you will catch the habits of the people you spend time with, and you will catch the anointing of the ones you serve under.
I can remember one summer where I spent a lot of time with a new friend I had met at church. He certainly had some spiritual breakthrough that I had not yet experienced. After many conversations and a particular walk around the local park, I began experiencing the same breakthrough.
This breakthrough was caught, not taught.
I want to encourage you, find people who are spiritually further along than you. Spend time with them, ask questions, and allow the victories of their lives to become yours.
