In the New Testament, the act of intercession is a significant theme, reflecting the compassionate and communal nature of early Christian practice. One notable instance of intercession is found in the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This event not only highlights the power of Jesus' healing but also underscores the role of the disciples in seeking divine intervention on behalf of others.

The account is primarily found in the Gospel of Mark 1:29-31 : "As soon as Jesus and His disciples had left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them."

In this passage, the disciples' role is pivotal. Upon entering the house, they immediately inform Jesus of the illness afflicting Peter's mother-in-law. This act of bringing her condition to Jesus' attention can be seen as a form of intercession. The disciples, recognizing Jesus' authority and compassion, act as intermediaries, advocating for her healing.

The Gospel of Matthew 8:14-15 provides a parallel account: "When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them." While this account does not explicitly mention the disciples' intercession, the context suggests their involvement in bringing Jesus to the home, thereby facilitating the opportunity for healing.

Luke 4:38-39 offers another perspective: "Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they appealed to Jesus on her behalf. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them." Here, the act of intercession is explicitly mentioned, as "they appealed to Jesus on her behalf." This indicates a collective effort by those present, likely including the disciples, to seek Jesus' intervention.

The intercession for Peter's mother-in-law is a testament to the early disciples' understanding of their role in the ministry of Jesus. They recognized the importance of bringing the needs of others before Christ, trusting in His power to heal and restore. This instance serves as an example of the communal and intercessory nature of the early Christian community, where the needs of individuals were brought before Jesus through the advocacy of others.

In these accounts, the immediate response of Peter's mother-in-law, who rises and begins to serve, further illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' healing and the effectiveness of intercession. Her service is a response of gratitude and a testament to the restoration brought about through divine intervention, facilitated by the disciples' intercessory actions.Luke 4:38,39
And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they sought him for her.
Nave's Topical Index

The Pilgrim's Progress
... her boys, then she began to make intercession for Mercy ... who with their mouths speak
high in behalf of God ... Him; and, instead of becoming His disciples, did harden ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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