Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Heals Peter's Mother-In-Law (At Capernaum)

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The healing of Peter's mother-in-law is a significant event in the ministry of Jesus, the Christ, illustrating His compassion, authority, and power over sickness. This miracle is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, and Luke 4:38-39. Each account provides a slightly different perspective, enriching the understanding of this miraculous event.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in Capernaum, a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry. After teaching in the synagogue and casting out an unclean spirit, Jesus, along with His disciples, enters the house of Simon Peter. It is here that they find Peter's mother-in-law bedridden with a fever.

The Miracle

In Matthew 8:14-15 , it is written: "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." This account highlights the immediacy and completeness of the healing. Jesus' simple touch is sufficient to restore her health, demonstrating His divine authority over physical ailments.

Mark 1:29-31 provides additional details: "As soon as Jesus and His companions 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 promptly 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." Mark emphasizes the disciples' concern and Jesus' immediate response, underscoring His willingness to heal and serve.

Luke 4:38-39 offers yet 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. She got up at once and began to serve them." Luke, known for his attention to detail as a physician, notes Jesus' rebuke of the fever, indicating His authority over illness as if it were a personal adversary.

Significance

This miracle is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates Jesus' compassion and willingness to heal, responding to the needs of those around Him. Secondly, it reveals His authority over sickness, affirming His divine nature and fulfilling the messianic prophecies of healing (Isaiah 53:4-5). Thirdly, the immediate response of Peter's mother-in-law, who begins to serve them, illustrates the appropriate response to Jesus' work in one's life: service and gratitude.

Theological Implications

The healing of Peter's mother-in-law serves as a testament to Jesus' power and authority as the Messiah. It foreshadows the greater spiritual healing He offers through His death and resurrection, providing salvation and restoration to all who believe. This event also emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer, as the disciples' appeal to Jesus on behalf of Peter's mother-in-law results in her healing.

In conclusion, the healing of Peter's mother-in-law at Capernaum is a profound demonstration of Jesus' compassion, authority, and the transformative power of His touch. It invites believers to trust in His ability to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually, and to respond with a life of service and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 8:14-17
And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
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Mark 1:29-34
And immediately, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
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Luke 4:38-41
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.
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Library

Christ Heals the Nobleman's Son. --Chooses Capernaum for His
... Christ heals the Nobleman's Son."Chooses Capernaum for his. Abode."Healing of Peter's
Wife's Mother. ... [307] Jesus healed her, at ... [308] As Christ spent the ...
/.../section 127 christ heals the.htm

The Four-Fold Gospel
... XL. Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. ... L. Christ's Teaching as to
His Mother and Brethren. ... Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

Mighty in Word and Deed
... than superhuman strength that tames demons and heals all manner ... inasmuch as the former
says that Jesus was 'told ... of the devout heart is to tell Christ all its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/mighty in word and deed.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... development both in body and spirit of Jesus in 2: 40 ... In the synagogue at Nazareth
Christ points out that God ... for the Samaritans, 10: 30-37; heals the Samaritan ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm