A Healing Touch
Jesus reveals His divine power
Colorful blankets swathe my rose bushes, making them resemble oversized gumdrops. With lows expected in the teens by Saturday, outdoor faucets are wrapped, and indoor faucets will be set to drip overnight.
Winter has arrived in the Texas Hill Country.
The cold brings more than the potential for burst pipes. They say cold air weakens our nasal immune defenses, among other factors, leading to more illnesses during the winter months.
When looking at the miracles of Jesus, we see that all the crowd-related miracles were of healing. Out of the thirty-five individual miracles, sixteen were for healing. Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, restored limbs, and healed others of various diseases.
Peter’s mother-in-law is included in this list.
We don’t know what kind of fever Peter’s mother-in-law had, but Luke, the physician, calls it a great fever in his account of the healing. Luke uses a medical distinction (in Greek) that classifies this fever as life-threatening.
“And He arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought Him for her.” (Luke 4:38 emphasis mine) (Note: Simon was another name for Peter. See Matthew 5:18)
This account has always seemed warm and intimate to me. After studying it out, I think I understand why.
Three of the four gospel writers include the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. Encompassed in only two short verses (three in Mark), we can glean a lot from this brief account.
First, this woman was much loved.
We don’t know how long Peter had been away from home. After leaving his nets and following Jesus, Matthew tells us they “went about all Galilee.” (Matt 4:23) Now back in Capernaum, they retire to Peter’s home to rest. As soon as Peter learns of his mother-in-law’s illness, scripture tells us, “they besought Him for her.” The Greek here is ἐρωτάω erōtaō, to entreat, beseech, or pray.
We all know how expressive Peter could be. Here, it seems many of the disciples joined in, begging Jesus to heal her.
I am so grateful to be a part of a praying church. We’ve seen miracles. Every time I get a prayer request, no matter what I’m doing, I stop and pray. Ultimately, asking for God’s will to be done.
Secondly, we see Christ’s divine power and tender love.
Through the three gospel accounts, we see Jesus standing over her and touching her hand. He then rebukes the fever, and it immediately leaves her body.
When visiting someone who’s sick, whom you don’t know very well, it’s common to come into the room and sit. Or hover near the end of the bed. Jesus does neither. He comes to her as a loved one might, leaning over her and taking her hand. Can you picture it?
Beloved, tuck this image safely away for the next time you’re feeling poorly. This is how He cares for you.
Last week, we saw Jesus turn the water into wine by His will; here we see Him heal with His touch. Luke’s account also tells us Jesus rebuked the fever, suggesting there may have been a demonic element involved. Whatever the case, the healing was immediate.
Lastly, we see immediate healing and a gentlewoman’s response.
One year, my husband had a recurring fever that lasted for several weeks. Medication finally overcame the fever, but he was very sick for a long time.
When Jesus heals, the results are immediate and lasting.
“And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.” (Luke 4:39)
The healing was so complete. What did the woman do?
She got up and ministered to them. The Greek word used here is διακονέω diakoneō, and it’s the same word used in 1 Timothy for the office of deacon. It means to serve, host, wait upon. It describes the motive we should have in our hearts as we serve God by serving His people.
I can tell you, even after the fever stopped, my husband was in no condition to jump up and start serving anyone.
“The moment the Lord Jesus Christ saves a soul, He gives that soul strength for its appointed service.” Spurgeon
I think the reason I love this passage so much is that in it, we see the circle of grace.
We have a need and cry out to Him for deliverance.
He delivers us. Completely.
We respond with gratitude and service.
Salvation isn’t the end, Beloved. It is the beginning of a life lived by His grace. Daily receiving His mercies and sharing them with others.
Do you think Peter’s mother-in-law told anyone about what Jesus did for her?
You can bet she did.
What has He done for you?
Shalom.
Photo Credit: Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
AI Disclaimer: No part of this blog was written by bots. Every word, typo, grammatical error, and witticism is lovingly and/or accidentally crafted by my own two (very human) hands.