The record of the life of Jesus in the New Testament is filled with interesting events, which may make you wonder why a particular detail or event was mentioned, among so many possibilities. The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law is one such event. Matthew and Luke allot two verses, and Mark (the gospel account which really focuses on the miracles of Jesus) gives it three verses. While there is little told to us in these verses (Matt. 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39), notice how much really is told.
Jesus left the synagogue in Capernaum, where He had been teaching and casting out a demon, and He “entered Simon’s house.” Mark tells us that Peter’s brother, Andrew, also lived there (1:29). So, five men entered the home: Jesus, Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. All three accounts tell us that Peter’s wife’s mother was “sick.” Matthew and Mark both tell us that she was “lying sick with a fever.” The physician Luke specified that she “was suffering from a high fever.” Mark and Luke indicate that the disciples “told” Jesus about her and “made request of Him concerning her.” Now, notice what happens.
Matthew says that it started when Jesus “saw” her. Think about the tenderness of that word. The physician tells us that Jesus “stood over her,” like a doctor may come near and bend over to get closer. Then, Jesus “touched her hand” and “took her by the hand.” This is very personal. Jesus then “rebuked the fever” and “lifted her up,” and the Bible says that “immediately the fever left her.” All three accounts emphasize that she was so completely restored to health that “she arose and served them.”
Why is this account of the life of Jesus recorded? What are we to learn from this?
Perhaps this event is recorded for the purpose of showing us that Peter was married (see also 1 Corinthians 9:5). Many want to claim that Peter was the first Pope, yet we are specifically told that Peter (why tell us about him and not the other apostles?) was married. Perhaps God was putting in the Bible the answer to a future false doctrine.
Perhaps Scripture records this incident to teach us that we need to take care of our family, our parents, our in-laws, when such is necessary. He who does not take of his own family “is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8).
If for no other reason, this brief account reminds us of two immutable truths: Jesus cares! Jesus can! The tender compassion of Jesus pours forth in this text. He has that compassion for you! The power of Jesus to overcome any trouble is clear in this text. He has that power to help you! Thank God for these few verses to remind us of our wonderful Jesus!