Jesus Heals Many

Matthew 8:14-17

“And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.  He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.  That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.  This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

Just a touch.  Just a word.  The simplicity of the power of Jesus must have been somewhat unnerving to those he came into contact with.  These specific verses mention Peter’s family and also many others who were healed by Jesus.  Our response should be that of Peter’s mother-in-law: we should be ready to serve God when he heals us.

We have seen a centurion’s servant, an in-law, and many others healed by Jesus.  I can’t imagine how hopeless it must have felt for those who came before Jesus with a demon, or an illness they had suffered all their life.  Jesus could have gone somewhere more secluded, he could have shut those out who came before him, but he didn’t.  He wasn’t like any of the scribes or Pharisees; he genuinely loved people, and wanted to heal them. All who were sick were healed.  How difficult is it for us to not show favoritism?  And yet Jesus showed none.  Let this be a reminder that when others come to us in physical weakness, we should accept them and treat them gracefully.