04
Simon’s Mother-in-Law
Luke 4:38-41
Simon’s heart is torn in two. On the one hand, he has just witnessed the greatest miracle of his life. Right before his eyes, the possessed man - who had been Capernaum’s worst nightmare for years - was completely healed in an instant. One moment, foam was bubbling from his mouth as he screamed and cursed in madness, violently attacking the men who tried to restrain him. And the next moment, he was calm and normal, just like any other man... Simon’s mouth had hung open in sheer amazement and awe at what his Master had just done!
Then, someone rushes over to Simon and whispers in his ear that he should go home immediately - his mother-in-law’s condition has become critical. Her fever is dangerously high, and his wife has sent word that he must come at once if he wants to see her alive.
Simon grabs his brother Andrew by the sleeve. “Come! There’s trouble at home!”
They race through the narrow streets to his mother-in-law’s house. He knows one isn’t supposed to run on the Sabbath, but this is an emergency! What Simon finds at home makes his heart pound in his chest.
“There is nothing more we can do for her,” a woman says sympathetically, shaking her head. “Her fever is too high. You should say your goodbyes, Simon.”
Simon is in shock. “If only Jesus were here... If He could heal that possessed man - couldn’t He do something for my mother-in-law?” But he quickly shakes off the thought - it’s just wishful thinking! “I can’t bother the Master now; He’s busy in the synagogue! And besides, it’s the Sabbath...”
Simon walks to his mother-in-law’s bedside, where his wife sits weeping uncontrollably. He touches her forehead - it’s burning hot. She mumbles incoherently, as if lost in another world.
Then, Simon hears it - many voices speaking at once. A large procession is heading their way. “Does everyone think she has already died and that they should come to mourn?”
The next moment, his new Master enters the room, accompanied by John and James. Someone has told Jesus about Simon’s distress, and He has come without hesitation. Simon cannot believe his eyes. Why would such a great Teacher concern Himself with a simple disciple’s mother-in-law?
“Master, please do something,” Simon pleads, his voice breaking. He can no longer hold back his tears - he, the rough fisherman.
Jesus stands at the head of the bed and looks compassionately at the sick woman’s fevered face. He closes His eyes for a moment as if praying softly, then murmurs words that sound like: “Fever, leave this woman!”
The next moment, He takes her hand and helps her sit up in bed. Simon hears everyone in the room gasp.
“That’s impossible!” someone whispers in disbelief.
“She was as good as dead! And now she’s sitting up!” another mutters, stunned.
Simon’s mother-in-law looks around at the astonished faces. She smiles. “Well, what a surprise to see you all here!”
Simon shakes his head hard - is he dreaming? What has just happened before his eyes is beyond comprehension! Even harder to believe! His mother-in-law jumps out of bed, completely healthy, as if she had never been ill. “Rabbi, may I offer You something to eat? Or perhaps a nice cool drink?” She is already back to her usual self, eager to serve everyone.
Jesus chuckles and gestures toward the crowd that has gathered in their hundreds outside the house. “The people are waiting...”
The news of Simon’s mother-in-law’s miraculous healing spreads like wildfire. As soon as the sun sets and the Sabbath ends, crowds arrive, bringing their sick in the hope that Jesus will heal them too. Simon and the other three disciples are overwhelmed trying to control the crowd so that Jesus is not crushed. It is exhausting work that continues late into the night before the last people finally leave.
When everything quietens down, the reality of it all finally hits Simon. “Today, this Rabbi first freed a possessed man from his demons in a breathtaking display of power. Then came the inexplicable, astonishing healing of my mother-in-law. And tonight, literally hundreds of sick people were miraculously healed! It all feels so unreal! Who is this Jesus?”
Do you ever find yourself asking, “Who is Jesus really?” No, it’s not a foolish question - many believers struggle with it. And it’s not so simple either! Jesus is the Almighty God, the One who created heaven and earth, as John writes in John 1:1-3. Yes, Simon only truly understood and confessed this much later.
The question is: do we always truly realise that He is God and that He reigns over the universe? Let us honour Him for that!
Prayer:
Lord
Jesus, this morning, all our praise and honour belong to You, for You
are the King of all kings, and all power belongs to You!