The healing that we saw in yesterday’s reading was clearly very powerful. However, what we see today is more than powerful; it is also very personal. In the midst of the strangers and the nameless people that were brought to Jesus for healing, we read about a house call that Jesus makes for one of his disciples. It seems that Simon’s (soon to be Peter) mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. We don’t know how sick she was, but we do see for the first time how Jesus clearly cares for those who were close to him.
I don’t think we have to imagine how much this would have meant to Peter. He has dropped everything to go and follow Jesus, yet Jesus cared enough to go and show compassion upon his mother in law. My guess is that Jesus’ actions built even deeper loyalty within Peter than what Peter had for Jesus before.
It would be wise for us to reflect on the times that God has ministered deeply to us in our past as well. Was there a time when you sensed God coming very near to you to minister to your family? Was there a time in your life when you needed help, and God sent someone your way to encourage you? When have you seen God use the church to reach out and minister to you? Reflect on these times and let them compel you not only to a life of thanksgiving, but also to have eyes of compassion. Look around you and see who needs to be helped or encouraged, and reach out with the power of God and do it!
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