Yet there was a difference. The rest of the crowd was close to Jesus, but this woman experienced the power and reality of Jesus. The difference was that she reached out in faith. Many others will be around, but it is faith that makes our experience of Jesus dynamic, real and life changing. We each have a choice as to how we reach out to God.
Faith is the crucial difference.
Today do not be content to mingle in. Set your mind to reach out beyond others. Aim to excel in faith, to outstrip the disciples, so that you will receive commendation not criticism.