Matthew 8:14-17
When Jesus
came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a
fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited
on Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed;
and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This
was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “HE HIMSELF TOOK
OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”
Peter’s home in Capernaum
is thought to be beneath what is now a Catholic chapel---or rather the Chapel
was built over the ruins of Peter’s house (pictured on the left). It was there that Peter’s
mother-in-law actually served Jesus food! She was so sick with a fever---and then He
touched her and she was not only well---she served food. She may have even
prepared it. Back in Jesus’ day there were no Albertson’s, Safeway or WinCo
that have lots of prepackaged and prepared foods, and no McDonald’s or Wendy’s
to get take-out food when you have guests drop-in. There was grain to grind for
bread---and goat cheese to make---so it was lots of work to “serve” food. She
might have served some wine, tea, or coriander coffee, too. Whenever Jesus was
near Capernaum He probably stayed at Peter’s home, so his mother-in-law had likely
served Jesus and the other disciples many times before---what an honor this
time to serve “The Healer”…her Healer!
Do we ever honor Jesus when He “heals” us? When was the last time you had a fever—and it
suddenly left? And did you have any
energy? Last time I just had a cold—no
fever—I was so wiped out just getting up, taking a shower and eating breakfast that I
needed a nap before I could go on with the day. It was nothing short of a
miracle for Peter’s mother-in-law to have the energy to serve a meal.
When evening
came Jesus had lots of work to do---so it was good that He had a meal earlier. Like
Peter’s mother-in-law, He needed the strength that a good meal provides. Once
people knew of His healing ministry, wherever He went Jesus was called upon to
heal the sick and demon-possessed. It only took a word, like “be gone” or “be
healed” and they were cured. His touch or His voice was so powerful. Allow Jesus
to touch your life today—be healed.
Thank you, Jesus, for your touch on our
lives.
©
2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights
reserved.
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