Peter's Mother-in-Law

"Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them." Matthew 8:14,15

Though her name was never mentioned in the Bible she holds an important part of the life of Christ as He walked the earth. She was one of many He healed on His missionary journey. Her faith in Jesus wasn't mentioned; only the faith of her family was illustrated in the Word.

She was the beloved mother of Peter's wife and had been very sick with fever for quite some time to the point of being bedridden. In the city of Capernaum, in Peter and Andrew's home is where Jesus found her lying ill. Some gospels say that her family requested Jesus to heal her and that He did.

Her healing was immediate, as soon as Jesus touched her hand the Bible says she rose up and went straight way and began serving them.

Each gospel holds this account in their own words. The significance of the story is first, the immediate restoration to health, and second, it's symbolic nature. Matthew uses the incident to stress Christ's sovereignty; Mark, to illustrate His servanthood; Luke, to demonstrate His compassionate humanity. Luke, the physician, informs us of her condition and confirms the accounts the other gospels gave.

It was clear to me she was very important to her family and to Jesus. His miracle in raising this woman to life not only showed love for her and her family, but also reinforced His valuation of women in a society where many considered them to be inferior.

This story is known, in most commentaries, to draw attention to Jesus' pity for His own race. He displayed His power to a Jewish mother, which is a symbol of His deep desire that His own nation return to their covenant-keeping God. It is one more touch of God's indescribable love,

How did the woman respond to Christ healing her? She served Him, a leading example to every woman who feels His touch.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for Your healing touch, for coming to our defense no matter the call, for being apart of our life every step of the way. I am in amazement of all that You are to Your people. May I gain a deeper walk with You as I study the women of the Bible who were so committed to serving You. In Jesus' name. Amen.