Faith Reaches for the Fringe | Mark 6:53-56

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today’s shout-out goes to Bruce Bowler from Cedar Falls, IA. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your support is helping others reach for Jesus—maybe for the first time. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:53-56:

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. — Mark 6:53-56

Jesus steps out of the boat in Gennesaret—and the people move fast. They recognize him. They run through towns and villages. They gather the sick, the broken, the weary—laying them out in streets and marketplaces. But what they want is simple. Not a lesson. Not a meeting. Not even a touch from his hand.

“If we could just touch the fringe of his garment.”

That’s what they were after. Just the edge. The tassel. The outermost thread. Because they believed the power of Jesus extended even to the fringe. And it did.

“As many as touched it were made well.”

Faith doesn’t always walk in with swagger. Sometimes, it crawls in with desperation. Sometimes, it’s not bold enough to stand tall—
but just enough to stretch out an arm. Faith reaches for the fringe.

The people in this story knew they weren’t worthy to ask for much. But they believed Jesus was more than enough. So they reached. And Jesus healed.

It’s the same today. You may not feel like your faith is strong. You may not feel like you have the words. You may not even feel worthy of asking. But Jesus still honors those who reach out to him. Even if all you can manage today is a whisper. A prayer through tears. A step toward the church. A breath of surrender. A call of repentance. That’s faith. And Jesus sees it and responds to it.

So wherever you are, however far off you feel—reach. The fringe of his robe still holds the fullness of his power.

ASK THIS:

1. When have you felt unworthy to approach Jesus?
2. What does “reaching for the fringe” look like in your life today?
3. How can desperation lead to deeper faith?
4. Why do you think Jesus honors even small acts of faith?

DO THIS:

Take one small action today that symbolizes reaching for Jesus—pray, read one verse, confess, or ask for help.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t always feel strong or worthy, but I’m reaching for you anyway. Meet me in my weakness with your healing power. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Touch the Hem of His Garment.