Jesus Heals Many

One Reply to “Jesus Heals Many”

1. As we continue to work our way through the synoptic gospels and attempt to chronologically read through the New Testament, I think it’s important to remember this is not so much a history lesson as it is an attempt to grow in our knowledge of Jesus the Messiah, of God the Creator and of the Holy Spirit the teacher. Lord, I pray we will listen to your prompting and not get carried away with matters that are beyond understanding while we seek to hear your voice.

   Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law

   • Matthew records this event almost in passing, “When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.”
   • Mark’s account includes, “So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them”
   • Luke, the physician, added she “was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.”

   The term mother-in-law reminds me that Peter was married when he was called to be a disciple, that his calling meant separation from his family, yet there is no fanfare about this decision and no special treatment as a result. My wife and I have been on different sides of the planet as a result of military orders as well as personal decisions. Just an interesting side note to remember as I continue to discern God’s call for whatever time I have left on earth!

   Jesus enters, heals Peter’s mother-in-law and she begins to wait on him. Simple, yet crazy! This ability to heal is not limited to the select few, rather Jesus liberally goes about healing many with various kinds of diseases, those possessed were freed from their demons, but Jesus “would not let the demons speak because they knew who he as” (see Mark 1:34b and Luke 4:41b).

   Jesus Heals Many

   Jesus heals many people, but that’s not the thrust of his ministry, it’s simply something he does out of love for people. It’s almost like he can’t help himself! He sees someone sick and he heals them–completely. No attempt to draw attention to the miracle, Jesus’ ministry is that of redemption, or repentance, he walks on earth in human form to look people eye-to-eye and reveal God’s plan to them in ways they have never heard before. We’re not surprised that God spoke to Noah and flooded the world to affect his redemptive plan, why the shocked expressions when God sends Jesus in human form to change the course of human history?

   Miracles happen today, perhaps even healing, but I don’t believe it is prudent to build a Faith Healing ministry or in any way generate revenue by some gift from God to heal people. I’m truly offended by those who would attempt to do this because they provide great fodder and high stumbling blocks for those who would otherwise seek to hear the Gospel. I’m not about to launch a crusade against them, but it truly saddens me to hear such stories.

   I believe we would see more miracles if we were truly 100% devoted to following Christ, completely committed. Yet this is not the case for the overwhelming majority, myself included. In my attempt to be a completely devoted follower of Christ, I find myself concerned about my children, my finances, what I should be doing this day or another. As much as I work to know God more, I must admit that I still make decisions that are human-centered rather than Christ-centered. This is my confession, something I continue to work through as I learn more about modern Christianity in hopes of becoming more Christ-like every day. This is my desire for all. As we grow in the knowledge and grace of the one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, our faith increases and the opportunity to see God at work is more evident in our lives, but not for our fame and fortune, for His name alone.

   Here’s the rub: if I witnessed a miraculous event, wouldn’t I want the world to know? Wouldn’t it be great to have a viral video of such an event? Yes and no. It would be great to provide definitive evidence for the world to see, but relationship building happens when people get to know people. The timing of Christ’s appearance some 20 centuries ago gives us a clue: ministry happens when people help people. Our modern day notion of fame is misguided. We’re here to help people hear. It’s messy business with all kinds of conflicting agendas, but I believe that’s what we need to do. Get involved in our community, figure out what people need, fill the need, help others, spread the Gospel through faith in action.

   The New Testament is full of stories that involve actions. It’s not about sitting on a pedestal preaching goodness, it’s about working with people through messy situations. This is probably why Paul’s writing dominate the New Testament.

   This post needs further research and consideration about modern day miracles. I believe they happen all the time, but I’m sure they don’t happen at some specific place and time during the scheduled event for healing–we can’t schedule God!

   Some years ago I wrote a little tune to memorize 2 Peter 3:18, the song still plays in my head and I’m confident in the memories of our family since they heard it a thousand times as I recorded it along with the harmonies and various parts. The key part is this: “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”  These are the concluding words of the Apostle who’s mother-in-law was healed at the beginning of this reading. A man who was just a man transformed by Christ. That is my greatest desire.

   Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.