Topical Bible: Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed

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The healing of Peter's mother-in-law is a significant event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, illustrating Jesus' compassion and authority over sickness. This miracle is documented in Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, and Luke 4:38-39, each providing a slightly different perspective on the event.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in Capernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry. After teaching in the synagogue, Jesus, accompanied by His disciples, enters the house of Simon Peter. This setting underscores the close relationship between Jesus and His disciples, as well as the domestic nature of His ministry.

The Miracle

According to the Gospel of Matthew , "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" (Matthew 8:14-15). This account highlights the immediacy and completeness of the healing. Jesus' simple touch is sufficient to restore her health, demonstrating His divine power and authority.

Mark's account adds further detail, noting that "they went into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 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 1:29-31). This version emphasizes the communal aspect of the disciples' concern and Jesus' willingness to respond to their needs.

Luke, known for his attention to detail as a physician, describes the event with a focus on Jesus' authority over illness: "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 and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to serve them" (Luke 4:38-39). Luke's use of the term "rebuked" parallels Jesus' authority over demonic forces, further illustrating His dominion over all creation.

Theological Significance

The healing of Peter's mother-in-law is rich in theological implications. It demonstrates Jesus' compassion and willingness to heal, reflecting His mission to bring restoration and wholeness. The immediate response of Peter's mother-in-law, who begins to serve them, signifies the appropriate response to Jesus' work in one's life: service and gratitude.

This miracle also underscores the personal nature of Jesus' ministry. He is not distant or detached but enters into the personal and familial spaces of His followers, bringing healing and transformation. The event foreshadows the broader healing and restoration that Jesus offers to all who come to Him in faith.

Implications for Peter

For Peter, this miracle would have been a profound personal experience, reinforcing his faith in Jesus as the Messiah. It also highlights the interconnectedness of Peter's family with Jesus' ministry, as his home becomes a place of divine encounter and service. This event likely strengthened Peter's resolve to follow Jesus, witnessing firsthand His power and compassion.

In summary, the healing of Peter's mother-in-law is a testament to Jesus' authority over illness, His compassion for individuals, and the transformative power of His presence. It serves as a reminder of the call to service in response to the grace and healing received from Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 8:14
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 1:29,30
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
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

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
... Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law and Many Others. ... fevers into little and great.] ^a
14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxii healing peters mother-in-law and.htm

Of the Order of the Incidents which are Recorded after this ...
... was come." In a similar manner, after concluding his account of the healing of Peter's
mother-in-law with the ... And He healed many that were sick of divers ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxii of the order of.htm

Christ Heals the Nobleman's Son. --Chooses Capernaum for His
... he went, attended by his disciples, to the house in which Peter lived, with his
mother-in-law, who lay ill at the time of a fever. [307] Jesus healed her, at ...
/.../section 127 christ heals the.htm

St. Ambrose Returns Again to the Subject of Christ...
... He who is healed by Christ has no hindrances ... be seen the disposition of the will
of Peter's mother-in-law, from which ... what was to come, for to each his will is ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x st ambrose returns.htm

A Group of Miracles
... on leaving the synagogue they entered into Peter's house. ... Mark, with his peculiar
sources of information, is aware ... to the mention of the mother-in-law of Peter ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 29-34 a group of.htm

Healing and Service
... himself telling us the story of his mother-in-law's cure ... of the impulsive, warm-hearted
Peter, an unspoken ... So Luke was perfectly right in his interpretation of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/healing and service.htm

To an Objection that the State of Widowhood Might Indeed be ...
... the mother-in-law, Peter and Andrew his brother. ... So, then, Peter's mother-in-law
found some to pray for her ... pleasures, that you, too, being sick, may be healed. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix to an objection.htm

Mighty in Word and Deed
... And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases ... in challenge by the champion,
and His first essay ... the three verses as to the cure of Peter's mother-in-law. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/mighty in word and deed.htm

The Four-Fold Gospel
... Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law and Many Others. ... Jesus Predicts, the Rulers Plot for,
and Judas Bargains for His Death ... Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

Dissolving views.
... a Sabbath day spent in His adopted home ... scene; afterwards the healing of Peter's
mother-in-law, and then at ... amongst them, by personal touch, healed and restored ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/dissolving views.htm