Sermon Snippet – Still Another Person You Should Know
INTRODUCTION – We have previously considered two people that we all should know, a faithful widow (Luke 21:1-4) and a loving father (Mark 9:14-24). Today, let us get to know Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39). Perhaps this brief account will lead to a brief sermon.
1. SHE SUFFERED FROM A REAL AFFLICTION
We have multiple medical means to deal with fevers, but the ancients did not. Luke, a physician, makes it clear that this was a potentially deadly illness, “a great fever.” Fever is a symptom of something more serious, like viral or bacterial infection. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14); if we were not, each one of us would die quickly. Even with our Christ-constructed immune systems, we sometimes – even frequently – require additional help. This lady’s need was not a slight thing, a temporary inconvenience. No, it was serious and merited our Savior’s solicitude. The strong word “rebuked” indicates that Jesus knew that forceful, decisive, immediate action was necessary.
2. SHE RECEIVED A REAL TOUCH FROM THE SAVIOR’S HAND
The parallel account in Mark 1:29-31 provides two additional details. First, this healing occurred on the Jewish Sabbath: the word “forthwith” means “immediately” and clarifies that there was no significant time gap from the leaving of the “synagogue” to the miraculous healing of this fevered female. The Jewish leaders were especially unreasonable (even murderous) about Jesus’ insistence on doing good on the Sabbath. Their irrationality revealed spiritual blindness and a lack of basic human love for suffering people. Second, Jesus “took her by the hand” as He healed her. Jesus provided healing to people in various ways, for He is not limited in what He can do and how He can do it. Here, His gentle touch was an additional blessing, demonstrating His personal interest and care.
3. SHE HAD REAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Her healing was so complete that she “immediately” had the strength to provide for her guests. Of course, Jesus could have miraculously produced a feast. However, that additional miracle would have taken away from what she wanted to do, not added to it. As the elder woman in the household, she found joy in furnishing the traditional Sabbath noon meal to her family and friends. Her loving service is an example to us all.
CONCLUSION – This must have been the greatest meal that this family ever enjoyed. Each morsel of food was a double blessing, meeting physical needs and reminding everyone of the miracle in their midst. Even greater was the presence of the Messiah, the One Who worked miracles…and still works them. The greatest miracle of all – to which all of His miracles point – is His eternal salvation, offered to each one of us. May we trust in Jesus and receive His full, free, and forever forgiveness.