Wednesday 16 October 2024
Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. (vs 30-31)
Background
Mother-in-law jokes are often a stock part of a comedian’s stage act. However, The Chosen, a drama series about Jesus' life, has a completely different attitude, with no sign of mother-in-law jokes, showing Simon entering his house to tend to his fevered mother-in-law.
Jesus had just called four guys, who were fishermen, to follow him, and they did. Next the group went to the synagogue where Jesus taught with authority. After this Jesus commanded an unclean spirit to leave a man, which astounded those who witnessed this. Leaving the synagogue Jesus was accompanied to the house of Simon. We are not sure why this house – perhaps it was closest to the synagogue, or the largest home with room for guests. Whatever the reason, we learn that Simon has a family to support and his wife’s mother is sick with a fever. Simon tells Jesus this immediately. Does Simon have a hunch that Jesus, who has just shown authority over an unclean spirit, might have the authority to drive out a fever?
That is exactly what Jesus does without saying a word. He takes the hand of Simon's mother-in-law and the fever is gone. Immediately he lifts her up. The mother-in-law’s response to this miraculous healing is also immediate: she busies herself and serves them.
Everyone is awestruck at seeing this miraculous healing, so much so, they couldn’t all get into Simon's house to witness it and had to stand at the door. (v. 33)
Jesus goes on, in authority from God, to proclaim the kingdom of God, urging people to repent and believe the good news. He continues to cast out demons.
I am reminded of this once loved hymn, which is not sung often nowadays. It focuses on the healing ministry of Jesus:
At even, ere the sun was set,
The sick, O Lord, around thee lay;
O in what divers pains they met!
O with what joy they went away!
Thy touch has still its ancient power;
No word from thee can fruitless fall:
Hear, in this solemn evening hour,
And in thy mercy heal us all. Henry Twells (1823-1900)
To Ponder:
- Does Simon’s mother-in law, now healed, demonstrate a ‘servant ministry’ as that of a deacon?
- Jesus never went out looking for people to heal – they came to him, seeking his healing touch. What do we think about that? Why didn't he seek out people to heal?
- Does Jesus still heal today?
Prayer
In your love Lord, heal those who are sick in body, mind or spirit. Bring hope to all those in prison who feel lost, forgotten or neglected. In your touch bring life and health. Amen.
Bible notes author: Stephen Caley
Stephen Caley is a lay minister within the Methodist Church and a Methodist and Free Church chaplain to two prisons (one open and one closed) which are adjacent to each other in Suffolk.