Mark 1: Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law
29 After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. 31 He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
Jesus’ ministry spreads
32 That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered near the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him. [Contemporay English Bible]A little earlier in Mark's gospel (Mark 1:16-20), Jesus encountered Simon (later called Peter) and his brother Andrew. They were fishing, and Jesus instructed them how to make a big catch. In time, Jesus said, they would become fishers for people. And they did.
In today's text Jesus entered the brothers' house where he cured Simon's mother-in-law. Her return to health was only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. After Jesus had a meal he set about healing all sorts of people who were sick or possessed with demons. And then the whole city came seeking—and finding—health. These early miracles of healing were only the tip of yet another, much larger iceberg, so to speak. Jesus' ministry of healing began there in Simon's house and spread throughout time and history. We proclaim that Jesus is still healing those who come to him and believe in him. He meets and greets us throughout life's passages. And we are made whole.
Father in heaven, for Jesus' sake, send your Holy Spirit upon your servants. Drive away all sickness of body and spirit and make us whole. Amen.
Robert Brusic
Seminary Pastor Emeritus, Luther Seminary
Bachelor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School , 1964
Mark 1:29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once.
31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
33 And the whole city was gathered around the door.
34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.[New Revised Standard Version]
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