Lesson 42

LESSON 42 - Mark 1:29-34

29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Simon Peter, his wife, his mother-in-law and his brother, Andrew, lived in the town of Capernaum in Galilee. The brothers worked in the fishing business with their partners, two brothers, James and John. (Luke 5:7)

After leaving the synagogue, having just seen a man delivered of evil spirits, Peter and Andrew evidently invited Jesus to their home, probably for a meal. James and John went along too. Upon arriving there, they found that Peter's mother-in-law was in bed seriously ill with a fever of high temperature. They told Jesus of her condition and asked Him to help. (Luke 4:38 And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.)

Jesus did several things. He took her by the hand. (Mt 8:15) He spoke to the fever and rebuked it. Luke 4:39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

She was healed right before their eyes. In fact, she was so recovered that she was strong enough to serve them a meal.

What do we learn from this?

Peter's mother-in-law didn't ask to be healed. She probably was so sick that she couldn't help herself. She may not have known that Jesus could help her. Others acted as intercessors for her. They asked Jesus to heal her. We can act as intercessors for those who need help and who may not know that Jesus is the Answer. We can do that by praying for them. We can also teach them the Word of God so that they will seek the Lord for themselves.

It didn't take long for the news to spread. By evening the sabbath had ended (Mk 1:21) and word had gotten around that the Healer was at Peter's house. Many people came there, bringing their sick and those under demonic attack. Perhaps Peter and the others helped by organizing the people into groups of different types of illnesses and diseases. They might have gotten the people into lines, so that there was an orderly procession to the Healer.

Jesus laid hands on those who were sick (Lk 4:40) and spoke a word that freed those who were oppressed by demons (Mt 8:16). Matthew's account says Jesus healed everyone that was sick (Matt. 8:16-17), fulfilling the prophecy by Isaiah. (Isa. 53:4 He took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses, and v5 ...with His stripes we are healed.)

It had to have taken hours to heal and deliver all those people. It must have been tiring, yet the Lord Jesus stayed until the very last one who sought healing, or deliverance from demons, was helped.

The Lord did not accept any association by demonic testimony. He didn't need or want their endorsement. He didn't want anyone to get information about Him from demons. Information about the Savior was to come from His Father and those He sent.

As a quick study practice, read the following passage in John 5 again and list the different persons or things that gave witness to Jesus being the Messiah.

John 5:32-39 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

How many did you find? I found: John the Baptist, the works (miracles, healings, raising the dead, casting out demons, calming storms, walking on water, the Words He spoke, and many more), His Father, Jesus Himself, and the Old Testament scriptures. All of these testified clearly that Jesus was the promised Messiah, sent from heaven, the One Who came to be the Redeemer of mankind.

What godly characteristics did Jesus show in this passage in Mark 1:29-34? Can you find 6 or more?

This is the Savior and Lord we serve. He can heal. He can deliver from demonic oppression. We should also note that He didn't heal for just His friends. God sent Him to bless all who would come to Him.

Principle: There is plenty of evidence and testimony that Jesus is the true Messiah, the Redeemer of mankind, sent by God the Father. Man is required to receive that evidence and believe the truth, in order to be saved.

Principle: Those who have handicaps, disfiguring diseases or injuries are sometimes avoided or excluded by other. At times they are ignored as if they don't have feelings. If you like to receive a smile and a cheerful greeting, don't you think they would too? Jesus had compassion on those He met and touched them with healing. 1 Corinthians 13, verse 4 reminds us that in God's kingdom love is kind. Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities He gives you to be kind this week.