Jesus went to Peter's house. There Jesus saw that Peter's mother-in-law was in bed with a high fever. Jesus touched her hand and the fever left her. Then she stood up and began to serve Jesus.
- Matthew 8:14-15 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
This final episode in this series of miracle stories is told carefully and succinctly. Clearly Jesus has the power to heal and Matthew shows us who he gladly heals in these stories. He heals an outcast and helpless leper with a word, he heals a powerful Gentile's servant from long distance, and he heals the mother-in-law of Peter with a touch of his hand.
The whole range of humanity is represented -- a Jew, a gentile, two men, and a woman. Jesus’ power is displayed by word, faith, and touch. We get to see the desperation of a leper, the faith of a Centurion, the need of a friend, and the illness of a mother-in-law. Matthew also lets us know what we are to do when we are touched by Jesus’ healing touch; like Peter's mother-in-law, we serve the Lord!
PRAYER:
Thank you, dear Father, for sending Jesus your Son to be my Savior. Because of his earthly ministry, I am confident that you love me and long for me to be whole. You have saved me from so many things; please accept my service to you as my thanks for all you have done for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
Jesus called all the followers together. Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the non-Jewish people love to show their power over the people. And their important leaders love to use all their authority over the people. But it should not be that way with you.
If one of you wants to become great, then he must serve you like a servant. If one of you wants to become first, then he must serve you like a slave. It is the same with the Son of Man. The Son of Man did not come for other people to serve him. The Son of Man came to serve other people. The Son of Man came to give his life to save many people." - Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus touched the man. Jesus said, "I want to heal you. Be healed!" And immediately the man was healed from his leprosy. - Matthew 8:3
Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "You believe that I can make you see again, so this will happen." Then the men were able to see again. Jesus warned them very strongly. Jesus said, "Don't tell any person about this." - Matthew 9:29-30