Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law
Preaching
Preaching The Miracles
Series III, Cycle B
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
Background Material
Situated very close to the synagogue was the house where Peter lived when in Capernaum. It must have been practically next door, for the scriptures say that "as soon as they left the synagogue they entered into the house of Simon."
It was noontime and the handful of disciples were expecting to enjoy a midday meal together. But Peter's mother-in-law, their intended hostess, apparently noted for her cooking, had developed a high fever and had taken to her bed. Eager to entertain Peter's friends, especially the one who was being proclaimed as the Son of God, one can imagine her frustration and disappointment when this illness struck her.
Earlier this morning in the synagogue, Christ had healed a badly troubled man, thus emphasizing his right to heal on the Sabbath. Now for a second time he was asked to do so. He was following his belief that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
When asked to minister to Peter's mother-in-law, Jesus could rightly have said: "Let me rest for a while, for I am tired after leading the morning worship, with the challenge of the demons who were controlling an unfortunate man." But he did not. Instead he immediately faced another problem, near at hand in that household, and he performed a healing.
It was a wordless miracle. Nothing was spoken between the two, according to the account. Taking the woman's hand, he raised her from her bed. Instantly she was healed and able to assume her duties in serving the meal. Her first desire was to return to normal activities.
With this miracle, Jesus continued to astonish his followers as he demonstrated his Godly powers. This particular miracle was probably the least impressive of the many Christ performed. It was hardly to be ranked in importance with curing someone afflicted with the dread leprosy, or raising someone from the dead. But it does take its place in rounding out the account of the many types of miracles performed by our Lord during his earthly ministry. The variety of the miracles showed the breadth of Christ's dominion: over nature when stilling the tempest, over all manner of diseases, even over death.
Was the purpose of this particular healing so that the men could have their expected dinner served to them? Hardly. They were all concerned for the suffering woman and were driven by their Christian concern for others. Believing in Christ's power, "they told him about her at once."
They were concerned for a family member. Families are supportive. This one cared about one of its own. So they sought to help her in her distress. How wonderful when families are bound together with a sense of unity.
Peter's House
In 1988 archaeologists unearthed what they are convinced are the remains of Peter's house in Capernaum. The site is right, near the location of the synagogue. In the ruins of the house many artifacts have been discovered to substantiate the claim that this was indeed Peter's house, where Christ performed the miracle of healing Peter's mother-in-law. The artifacts include some fishing hooks and a picture of a boat, so that it appears to have been the house of a fisherman of long ago. There are crosses sketched on some of the walls, designating the occupant as an early Christian. Other artifacts connect this house with Peter, and the claim has been substantiated by scholars.
Marriage Of Clergy
In reporting about Peter's mother-in-law, the scriptures are at variance with the teaching banning marriage of clergy. Specifically, if Peter is to be called the first Pope, then it would seem that his example of marriage would be followed by his successors, as indeed it was for many centuries. The Pope whose decree banned priestly marriages was Hildebrand, known as Pope Gregory VII. He issued the decree near the end of the eleventh century. This can be considered rather recent in the long history of the Christian Church. There was a good, though self-serving, motive behind this decree. It was meant to free priests from family obligations so they could give all their time, effort, and devotion to the church.
But there are many other facets to the issue, such as the difficult denial of human sexual needs and the protection of priests from charges of sexual promiscuity. Further, the ban on clergy marriage has resulted in heavy losses among the ranks of the clergy. This has assumed alarming proportions in recent years. Many priests have left the Roman Church to marry. Seminary enrollment has been decimated by the rule that many young men are not willing to accept. As a result, numerous Roman Catholic parishes in the United States and elsewhere are facing a serious shortage of essential clergy. In some parishes, a priest must serve two or more congregations. The Papacy, however, has adamantly refused to rescind the edict, choosing to defend the ban on priestly marriage.
Sermon Material
From Church To Home
Jesus carried his divine power from the synagogue to Peter's house where he healed Peter's mother-in-law. Like Jesus, we make our way from our house of worship back to our residence. How far does the inspiration of the service carry with us? How soon do we lay aside the inspiration of Sunday and return to involvement in the many claims of the mundane life? The influence of the worship service is meant to apply to our daily interests and efforts. The power of God, proclaimed in church, can be a power we do not lose, but one that pervades our daily life of prayer and good works. It is something to be retained in our hearts as a source of inspiration and a guide for daily living. What a shame to leave behind, at the church door, the influence of the worship service.
Christ In The Home
What a blessing it is to the occupants when Christ enters a home! There are so many ways in which his presence can be made known and felt within the family circle. One excellent way is by establishing daily devotions. Worship is not to be confined to the sanctuary. When family members unite in prayer and the reading of scripture, there are marvelous results in the spiritual life and growth of the family. Religious pictures and other wall decorations do a great deal to develop the Christian atmosphere of a home. They serve as constant reminders to the occupants of their spiritual needs. But best of all is to let the spirit of Christ rule the actions within the walls of one's residence. Family discussions can help direct one's thoughts to ways of helping others in school, at work, and at play, thus encouraging a desire to be of service. It is so easy to edge Christ out of family relationships, but it is also a simple matter to let him rule in the interactions of family relationships.
Conversely to the blessings of Christ's influence in the home, how easy it is to forget him, and for all to become involved in each one's personal interests and pursuits. Christ can be squeezed out so easily that we do not even sense his absence. How tragic that was in the life of Samson, recorded in the Old Testament. Samson was so blessed, but by his neglect he lost contact with God. It happened so gradually and silently that "he did not know that the Lord had departed from him."
If we welcome him, Christ will meet all of a family's deepest needs. He can put an end to strife, eliminate the separation of divorce, do away with physical abuse, and instill an atmosphere of peace and love. He will replace despair with hope, develop family unity, and give life the lift that is falsely promised by alcohol and other drugs. He can soothe our fears, allay our anxieties, and strengthen our desire to resist temptation.
Healing On The Sabbath
This healing took place on the Sabbath. The Sabbath, or Sunday, is supposed to be a day of rest. But it is also intended as a day of healing -- healing of body and of soul. This basic purpose of the day seems to be lost in today's emphasis on materialism. "Business as usual" on Sunday simply indicates a grasping for more money and the accumulation of financial success. Just as there is desperate need for the body to rest each night, and thus be restored for the activities of another day, so one day in seven is required by the demands of the body for rest and relaxation in order to be prepared for another workweek of labor and stress.
When properly observed, Sunday can restore health to both body and soul. Sunday is really supposed to be such a day of healing. In the attitude and actions involved in neglecting God, as witnessed in today's society, there is an ever-widening gulf between God and his creatures. But this rift is bridgeable if we turn to making proper use of the benefits offered by a sincere observance of the seventh day, a day of rest, worship, and healing.
Trust Your Problems To God
Ordinarily the apostles might not have known what to do when they were expecting to enjoy a dinner, only to find that their hostess was incapacitated. But they turned the problem over to Christ, who quickly solved their dilemma by healing the woman. Because they trusted Christ to have the right answer, the scriptures inform us that "they told him immediately."
We can always trust Christ with our concerns. His deep love for us was amply demonstrated by his death on the cross, where he freely gave his life in our stead. Now he encourages us to bring our burdens to him. Remember his encouraging words: "Come unto me ... and I will give you rest."
Do we think first of turning to Christ when any trouble or a crisis arises? Do we call upon him, trusting that his help is available? Why isolate yourself from the greatest possible source of help? Remember the words of the hymn: "Take it to the Lord in prayer."
Importance Of The Homemaker
It appears that it was necessary for the mother-in-law to be healed if the dinner was to be served. Because she could return to her duties, the household and their guests were able to enjoy their Sabbath meal. Too often the importance of the woman in the home is overlooked. It is really she who holds the family together, looking after the needs within the family shelter. Usually it is she who has the task of planning the meals, accumulating the items of food, and then preparing the meal. She looks after the cleanliness of the home and the health of the family members. She must budget her time and money and the investment of her services. The present-day movement for the liberation of women dare not overlook her importance to the home, the rearing of the children, and the companionship of her husband. If she is thoughtful, she will realize that in her tasks she has a calling from God, the same as a call to the ministry or any other respected profession.
A Limited Audience
Some of Christ's miracles were performed before large audiences, as in the feeding of the 5,000. As a result, large numbers believed in Christ, for they had witnessed his superb power. This miracle was performed within the privacy of a home, with only a few people present. But the result was the same. Those who witnessed it were profoundly impressed. And the report of what had transpired was spread by word of mouth with the speed with which such news can travel. Here is where personal evangelism can play so large a part. We are to be witnesses for Christ. It is through us that word must spread of the marvelous works of Christ and of his power and authority as the Son of God.
Seeking The Help Of Christ
"Take it to the Lord in prayer" is the advice of a time-honored hymn of the church. The handful of disciples who were with Jesus on this occasion were quick to tell him of the distressing fever. On other occasions they brought their discussions and questions to him for his help.
Do we take advantage of this source of help? What an opportunity prayer offers us to seek the wisdom and help of Christ in all dilemmas. Another hymn proclaims that "Jesus loves to answer prayer." With such help readily available, how foolish it is to try to solve our problems alone. How often we fret and worry needlessly, when the thing troubling us can be put into his hands.
Christ Brings Us Strength And Inspiration
To Solve Our Problems
1. Christ animated the widow with the necessary strength to perform her tasks.
2. Christ can give us the strength to continue ministering in his name.
3. We should, as Christ's people, apply this strength.
Never Tire Of Doing Good
1. We are tempted to stop giving to so many worthy appeals.
2. We are tempted to stop giving so much time in service to others.
3. We want to be freed from meeting the needs of elderly parents or others.
4. We want to excuse ourselves from such tasks in order to think of self.
5. But the scriptures tell us never to tire of doing good; Christ did not.
Christ Went Apart To Pray
1. The power of prayer to restore.
2. The need to pray for guidance.
3. The need for prayer in all phases of daily life.
Illustrations
Look Upward
"When the outlook isn't good, try the uplook." This verse appeared on the outdoor bulletin board of a church. It reminds the passersby that Christians have another dimension in their lives. They can look up to God for help and cheer.
We are told that one of the tasks in training a guide dog for the blind is to get the animal to raise its sights. It must look out not only for objects that would be an obstruction at a dog's height, but must learn to consider the height of the person it is guiding. For instance, some protruding object sticking out from a building at a height of four to six feet is nothing to block the path of a dog, which can simply walk under it. So he must be made alert to look higher than himself in order to protect the blind person he is leading. Man is described as an upward-standing person. He is capable also of lifting up his eyes unto the hills, of looking to Almighty God for guidance through life.
Serving Others
The world took note when Mother Teresa died. To the very end of her long life she spent her entire energy on helping others. Most of her efforts were directed toward helping the "poorest of the poor" in the slums of Calcutta, India. For this, she won the praise and adulation of people of all religious faiths, and even of those who proclaimed themselves nonbelievers. She was acting out her faith. Christ would impel all his followers to forget themselves and bury their life in loving labors for others. Christ declared that even he came into the world not to be ministered to, but to minister to others.
Church Charities
Churches are not given enough credit or recognition for the immense amount of social welfare they perform. The total Sunday offering of the churches in the United States comes to nearly fifty billion dollars per year. We are told that nearly half of this huge sum is invested in institutions of mercy such as hospitals, orphanages, homes for the aged and the like, as well as programs to serve the poor and needy. The latter includes such things as food banks, food kitchens, disaster relief, distribution of free Bibles, used clothing distribution, as well as prison visits. The list is endless. Churches are not supposed to be clannish, but are expected to give of themselves and their means, unselfishly, to aid a world in need.
Unenforceable Obligations
"And she began to serve them." She did not need to do so. She had been sick in bed and could easily have chosen to rest a while before rising. Her daughter could possibly have substituted for her, or even Peter himself, for it was his home. But without the obligation to do so, she carried out an unenforceable obligation. She voluntarily took up the duties of serving.
It is reported that she got off her sickbed healed of her illness, and immediately turned to the task of serving dinner to Christ and his followers. How can we serve Christ today? We can do so by helping others.
There are some things demanded by law, which, if not met, are punishable by fines or imprisonment. But there are other things which might be called obligations which are not enforceable and must be done voluntarily or not at all. One can offer his services to help a person in need or willingly meet some obligation even though he cannot be forced by law to do so. One cannot be forced to love his neighbor, for instance, or visit the sick and lonely. But one can willingly fulfill the obligation to do good even though such obligations are not enforceable.
A striking illustration is that of a General Gourrand, whose arm was badly damaged by shrapnel. He was told that the arm could be satisfactorily restored if he remained in the hospital for a year to undergo a series of surgeries. When told this, he asked how long he would have to remain in the hospital if the arm were amputated. The verdict was four months. Whereupon he immediately stated curtly, "Cut it off." He did what no one could have demanded of him, and after four months was back with his troops. Such willing sacrifice is the way a committed Christian meets his unenforceable obligations.
Serving Christ
A retired gentleman, who wanted to feel useful as a Christian, developed the routine of helping to feed the poor. He would go to a local bakery where they sold day-old bread at greatly reduced prices. There he would purchase so many loaves that they filled his car trunk and the back seat of his automobile. Then he would drive into a poor section of his city and give out the loaves of bread to anyone who came to him. On the days that he appeared, the word quickly spread throughout the area that he was there with free bread. He came to be known as "the bread man."
Another example is that of the Christian dentist who sympathized with those who needed dental care but could not afford his services. So he opened a Saturday office in a poor section of his city where he practiced dentistry free of charge one morning per week. There is no doubt that he did much good and his efforts were greatly appreciated.
Still another example is that of a woman of frugal habits who regularly saved her small weekly surplus, which she took to the bank. At her death her will directed that the entire bank account was to go to Carthage College to pay for the tuition of those who did not have the means of attending college. To the surprise of many, the estate amounted to almost 800,000 dollars.
There are countless ways in which all of us can be servants of the Lord, simply by helping the poor and needy. Christ said that by doing this to one of his we are doing it to him.
Family Unity
As soon as the disciples entered Peter's house they took Jesus to the bedroom, where Peter's mother-in-law lay ill, in order that Christ might minister to her. This was a display of family unity, of care and concern shown for one another. In a sense, we are all part of a greater family, the human race. It should be a cause for deep concern for us when we see a fellow human being in great need. Unfortunately this is not the case in many instances.
Recently in a California city, a cab driver was in a parking lot when he was confronted by four men. People looking out the windows of a nearby apartment watched as the four men mercilessly beat the cab driver, continuing to do so until he collapsed and died. They continued to watch as the four took the body of the dead man and stuffed it into the trunk of his cab. While there were numerous witnesses, no one called the police. Their only excuse was that they knew gangs were operating in the area and they feared retribution if they became involved. How widespread is this attitude? Where is society headed if we do not care about one another?
House Calls
Christ came into Peter's house. He brought his healing power which resulted in an immediate cure for Peter's mother-in-law. Today doctors no longer make house calls and it is necessary to go to their offices to secure their help. But Jesus continues to enter into the homes of his followers. He wants to be invited so that he can influence all members of our family. He offers such blessings as faith, hope, the assurance of eternal life, and the awareness of his constant guidance as we face the challenges of life.
What Happened To Your Hand?
According to the account of this miracle, Jesus offered his hand to Peter's mother-in-law. She took it and, when lifted to her feet, was healed. She was able to return to her duties in preparing and serving a Sabbath meal. How often the hand of Christ is extended to us. We can respond and be helped, or we can reject it and suffer the great loss of his blessing. After all, it was Christ's hand that would be pierced by a spike, as our Lord was nailed to the cross on which he died for our sins.
There is an impressive painting which pictures Christ surrounded by a group of little children. They seem to be very happy in the presence of our Lord, their little faces wreathed in smiles. But little children are curious and they do not hesitate to ask questions. One child is fascinated by the wound in Christ's hand. The painting is given the title of her question: "What happened to your hand?" It was a hand wounded for us and still bearing its awful scar. It has been said that nails could not have held Christ on the cross if his love for us had not done so. The hand of Christ reminds us of God's love. It reaches out to us today in every time of need, offering us help and forgiveness. What is our reaction?
Background Material
Situated very close to the synagogue was the house where Peter lived when in Capernaum. It must have been practically next door, for the scriptures say that "as soon as they left the synagogue they entered into the house of Simon."
It was noontime and the handful of disciples were expecting to enjoy a midday meal together. But Peter's mother-in-law, their intended hostess, apparently noted for her cooking, had developed a high fever and had taken to her bed. Eager to entertain Peter's friends, especially the one who was being proclaimed as the Son of God, one can imagine her frustration and disappointment when this illness struck her.
Earlier this morning in the synagogue, Christ had healed a badly troubled man, thus emphasizing his right to heal on the Sabbath. Now for a second time he was asked to do so. He was following his belief that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
When asked to minister to Peter's mother-in-law, Jesus could rightly have said: "Let me rest for a while, for I am tired after leading the morning worship, with the challenge of the demons who were controlling an unfortunate man." But he did not. Instead he immediately faced another problem, near at hand in that household, and he performed a healing.
It was a wordless miracle. Nothing was spoken between the two, according to the account. Taking the woman's hand, he raised her from her bed. Instantly she was healed and able to assume her duties in serving the meal. Her first desire was to return to normal activities.
With this miracle, Jesus continued to astonish his followers as he demonstrated his Godly powers. This particular miracle was probably the least impressive of the many Christ performed. It was hardly to be ranked in importance with curing someone afflicted with the dread leprosy, or raising someone from the dead. But it does take its place in rounding out the account of the many types of miracles performed by our Lord during his earthly ministry. The variety of the miracles showed the breadth of Christ's dominion: over nature when stilling the tempest, over all manner of diseases, even over death.
Was the purpose of this particular healing so that the men could have their expected dinner served to them? Hardly. They were all concerned for the suffering woman and were driven by their Christian concern for others. Believing in Christ's power, "they told him about her at once."
They were concerned for a family member. Families are supportive. This one cared about one of its own. So they sought to help her in her distress. How wonderful when families are bound together with a sense of unity.
Peter's House
In 1988 archaeologists unearthed what they are convinced are the remains of Peter's house in Capernaum. The site is right, near the location of the synagogue. In the ruins of the house many artifacts have been discovered to substantiate the claim that this was indeed Peter's house, where Christ performed the miracle of healing Peter's mother-in-law. The artifacts include some fishing hooks and a picture of a boat, so that it appears to have been the house of a fisherman of long ago. There are crosses sketched on some of the walls, designating the occupant as an early Christian. Other artifacts connect this house with Peter, and the claim has been substantiated by scholars.
Marriage Of Clergy
In reporting about Peter's mother-in-law, the scriptures are at variance with the teaching banning marriage of clergy. Specifically, if Peter is to be called the first Pope, then it would seem that his example of marriage would be followed by his successors, as indeed it was for many centuries. The Pope whose decree banned priestly marriages was Hildebrand, known as Pope Gregory VII. He issued the decree near the end of the eleventh century. This can be considered rather recent in the long history of the Christian Church. There was a good, though self-serving, motive behind this decree. It was meant to free priests from family obligations so they could give all their time, effort, and devotion to the church.
But there are many other facets to the issue, such as the difficult denial of human sexual needs and the protection of priests from charges of sexual promiscuity. Further, the ban on clergy marriage has resulted in heavy losses among the ranks of the clergy. This has assumed alarming proportions in recent years. Many priests have left the Roman Church to marry. Seminary enrollment has been decimated by the rule that many young men are not willing to accept. As a result, numerous Roman Catholic parishes in the United States and elsewhere are facing a serious shortage of essential clergy. In some parishes, a priest must serve two or more congregations. The Papacy, however, has adamantly refused to rescind the edict, choosing to defend the ban on priestly marriage.
Sermon Material
From Church To Home
Jesus carried his divine power from the synagogue to Peter's house where he healed Peter's mother-in-law. Like Jesus, we make our way from our house of worship back to our residence. How far does the inspiration of the service carry with us? How soon do we lay aside the inspiration of Sunday and return to involvement in the many claims of the mundane life? The influence of the worship service is meant to apply to our daily interests and efforts. The power of God, proclaimed in church, can be a power we do not lose, but one that pervades our daily life of prayer and good works. It is something to be retained in our hearts as a source of inspiration and a guide for daily living. What a shame to leave behind, at the church door, the influence of the worship service.
Christ In The Home
What a blessing it is to the occupants when Christ enters a home! There are so many ways in which his presence can be made known and felt within the family circle. One excellent way is by establishing daily devotions. Worship is not to be confined to the sanctuary. When family members unite in prayer and the reading of scripture, there are marvelous results in the spiritual life and growth of the family. Religious pictures and other wall decorations do a great deal to develop the Christian atmosphere of a home. They serve as constant reminders to the occupants of their spiritual needs. But best of all is to let the spirit of Christ rule the actions within the walls of one's residence. Family discussions can help direct one's thoughts to ways of helping others in school, at work, and at play, thus encouraging a desire to be of service. It is so easy to edge Christ out of family relationships, but it is also a simple matter to let him rule in the interactions of family relationships.
Conversely to the blessings of Christ's influence in the home, how easy it is to forget him, and for all to become involved in each one's personal interests and pursuits. Christ can be squeezed out so easily that we do not even sense his absence. How tragic that was in the life of Samson, recorded in the Old Testament. Samson was so blessed, but by his neglect he lost contact with God. It happened so gradually and silently that "he did not know that the Lord had departed from him."
If we welcome him, Christ will meet all of a family's deepest needs. He can put an end to strife, eliminate the separation of divorce, do away with physical abuse, and instill an atmosphere of peace and love. He will replace despair with hope, develop family unity, and give life the lift that is falsely promised by alcohol and other drugs. He can soothe our fears, allay our anxieties, and strengthen our desire to resist temptation.
Healing On The Sabbath
This healing took place on the Sabbath. The Sabbath, or Sunday, is supposed to be a day of rest. But it is also intended as a day of healing -- healing of body and of soul. This basic purpose of the day seems to be lost in today's emphasis on materialism. "Business as usual" on Sunday simply indicates a grasping for more money and the accumulation of financial success. Just as there is desperate need for the body to rest each night, and thus be restored for the activities of another day, so one day in seven is required by the demands of the body for rest and relaxation in order to be prepared for another workweek of labor and stress.
When properly observed, Sunday can restore health to both body and soul. Sunday is really supposed to be such a day of healing. In the attitude and actions involved in neglecting God, as witnessed in today's society, there is an ever-widening gulf between God and his creatures. But this rift is bridgeable if we turn to making proper use of the benefits offered by a sincere observance of the seventh day, a day of rest, worship, and healing.
Trust Your Problems To God
Ordinarily the apostles might not have known what to do when they were expecting to enjoy a dinner, only to find that their hostess was incapacitated. But they turned the problem over to Christ, who quickly solved their dilemma by healing the woman. Because they trusted Christ to have the right answer, the scriptures inform us that "they told him immediately."
We can always trust Christ with our concerns. His deep love for us was amply demonstrated by his death on the cross, where he freely gave his life in our stead. Now he encourages us to bring our burdens to him. Remember his encouraging words: "Come unto me ... and I will give you rest."
Do we think first of turning to Christ when any trouble or a crisis arises? Do we call upon him, trusting that his help is available? Why isolate yourself from the greatest possible source of help? Remember the words of the hymn: "Take it to the Lord in prayer."
Importance Of The Homemaker
It appears that it was necessary for the mother-in-law to be healed if the dinner was to be served. Because she could return to her duties, the household and their guests were able to enjoy their Sabbath meal. Too often the importance of the woman in the home is overlooked. It is really she who holds the family together, looking after the needs within the family shelter. Usually it is she who has the task of planning the meals, accumulating the items of food, and then preparing the meal. She looks after the cleanliness of the home and the health of the family members. She must budget her time and money and the investment of her services. The present-day movement for the liberation of women dare not overlook her importance to the home, the rearing of the children, and the companionship of her husband. If she is thoughtful, she will realize that in her tasks she has a calling from God, the same as a call to the ministry or any other respected profession.
A Limited Audience
Some of Christ's miracles were performed before large audiences, as in the feeding of the 5,000. As a result, large numbers believed in Christ, for they had witnessed his superb power. This miracle was performed within the privacy of a home, with only a few people present. But the result was the same. Those who witnessed it were profoundly impressed. And the report of what had transpired was spread by word of mouth with the speed with which such news can travel. Here is where personal evangelism can play so large a part. We are to be witnesses for Christ. It is through us that word must spread of the marvelous works of Christ and of his power and authority as the Son of God.
Seeking The Help Of Christ
"Take it to the Lord in prayer" is the advice of a time-honored hymn of the church. The handful of disciples who were with Jesus on this occasion were quick to tell him of the distressing fever. On other occasions they brought their discussions and questions to him for his help.
Do we take advantage of this source of help? What an opportunity prayer offers us to seek the wisdom and help of Christ in all dilemmas. Another hymn proclaims that "Jesus loves to answer prayer." With such help readily available, how foolish it is to try to solve our problems alone. How often we fret and worry needlessly, when the thing troubling us can be put into his hands.
Christ Brings Us Strength And Inspiration
To Solve Our Problems
1. Christ animated the widow with the necessary strength to perform her tasks.
2. Christ can give us the strength to continue ministering in his name.
3. We should, as Christ's people, apply this strength.
Never Tire Of Doing Good
1. We are tempted to stop giving to so many worthy appeals.
2. We are tempted to stop giving so much time in service to others.
3. We want to be freed from meeting the needs of elderly parents or others.
4. We want to excuse ourselves from such tasks in order to think of self.
5. But the scriptures tell us never to tire of doing good; Christ did not.
Christ Went Apart To Pray
1. The power of prayer to restore.
2. The need to pray for guidance.
3. The need for prayer in all phases of daily life.
Illustrations
Look Upward
"When the outlook isn't good, try the uplook." This verse appeared on the outdoor bulletin board of a church. It reminds the passersby that Christians have another dimension in their lives. They can look up to God for help and cheer.
We are told that one of the tasks in training a guide dog for the blind is to get the animal to raise its sights. It must look out not only for objects that would be an obstruction at a dog's height, but must learn to consider the height of the person it is guiding. For instance, some protruding object sticking out from a building at a height of four to six feet is nothing to block the path of a dog, which can simply walk under it. So he must be made alert to look higher than himself in order to protect the blind person he is leading. Man is described as an upward-standing person. He is capable also of lifting up his eyes unto the hills, of looking to Almighty God for guidance through life.
Serving Others
The world took note when Mother Teresa died. To the very end of her long life she spent her entire energy on helping others. Most of her efforts were directed toward helping the "poorest of the poor" in the slums of Calcutta, India. For this, she won the praise and adulation of people of all religious faiths, and even of those who proclaimed themselves nonbelievers. She was acting out her faith. Christ would impel all his followers to forget themselves and bury their life in loving labors for others. Christ declared that even he came into the world not to be ministered to, but to minister to others.
Church Charities
Churches are not given enough credit or recognition for the immense amount of social welfare they perform. The total Sunday offering of the churches in the United States comes to nearly fifty billion dollars per year. We are told that nearly half of this huge sum is invested in institutions of mercy such as hospitals, orphanages, homes for the aged and the like, as well as programs to serve the poor and needy. The latter includes such things as food banks, food kitchens, disaster relief, distribution of free Bibles, used clothing distribution, as well as prison visits. The list is endless. Churches are not supposed to be clannish, but are expected to give of themselves and their means, unselfishly, to aid a world in need.
Unenforceable Obligations
"And she began to serve them." She did not need to do so. She had been sick in bed and could easily have chosen to rest a while before rising. Her daughter could possibly have substituted for her, or even Peter himself, for it was his home. But without the obligation to do so, she carried out an unenforceable obligation. She voluntarily took up the duties of serving.
It is reported that she got off her sickbed healed of her illness, and immediately turned to the task of serving dinner to Christ and his followers. How can we serve Christ today? We can do so by helping others.
There are some things demanded by law, which, if not met, are punishable by fines or imprisonment. But there are other things which might be called obligations which are not enforceable and must be done voluntarily or not at all. One can offer his services to help a person in need or willingly meet some obligation even though he cannot be forced by law to do so. One cannot be forced to love his neighbor, for instance, or visit the sick and lonely. But one can willingly fulfill the obligation to do good even though such obligations are not enforceable.
A striking illustration is that of a General Gourrand, whose arm was badly damaged by shrapnel. He was told that the arm could be satisfactorily restored if he remained in the hospital for a year to undergo a series of surgeries. When told this, he asked how long he would have to remain in the hospital if the arm were amputated. The verdict was four months. Whereupon he immediately stated curtly, "Cut it off." He did what no one could have demanded of him, and after four months was back with his troops. Such willing sacrifice is the way a committed Christian meets his unenforceable obligations.
Serving Christ
A retired gentleman, who wanted to feel useful as a Christian, developed the routine of helping to feed the poor. He would go to a local bakery where they sold day-old bread at greatly reduced prices. There he would purchase so many loaves that they filled his car trunk and the back seat of his automobile. Then he would drive into a poor section of his city and give out the loaves of bread to anyone who came to him. On the days that he appeared, the word quickly spread throughout the area that he was there with free bread. He came to be known as "the bread man."
Another example is that of the Christian dentist who sympathized with those who needed dental care but could not afford his services. So he opened a Saturday office in a poor section of his city where he practiced dentistry free of charge one morning per week. There is no doubt that he did much good and his efforts were greatly appreciated.
Still another example is that of a woman of frugal habits who regularly saved her small weekly surplus, which she took to the bank. At her death her will directed that the entire bank account was to go to Carthage College to pay for the tuition of those who did not have the means of attending college. To the surprise of many, the estate amounted to almost 800,000 dollars.
There are countless ways in which all of us can be servants of the Lord, simply by helping the poor and needy. Christ said that by doing this to one of his we are doing it to him.
Family Unity
As soon as the disciples entered Peter's house they took Jesus to the bedroom, where Peter's mother-in-law lay ill, in order that Christ might minister to her. This was a display of family unity, of care and concern shown for one another. In a sense, we are all part of a greater family, the human race. It should be a cause for deep concern for us when we see a fellow human being in great need. Unfortunately this is not the case in many instances.
Recently in a California city, a cab driver was in a parking lot when he was confronted by four men. People looking out the windows of a nearby apartment watched as the four men mercilessly beat the cab driver, continuing to do so until he collapsed and died. They continued to watch as the four took the body of the dead man and stuffed it into the trunk of his cab. While there were numerous witnesses, no one called the police. Their only excuse was that they knew gangs were operating in the area and they feared retribution if they became involved. How widespread is this attitude? Where is society headed if we do not care about one another?
House Calls
Christ came into Peter's house. He brought his healing power which resulted in an immediate cure for Peter's mother-in-law. Today doctors no longer make house calls and it is necessary to go to their offices to secure their help. But Jesus continues to enter into the homes of his followers. He wants to be invited so that he can influence all members of our family. He offers such blessings as faith, hope, the assurance of eternal life, and the awareness of his constant guidance as we face the challenges of life.
What Happened To Your Hand?
According to the account of this miracle, Jesus offered his hand to Peter's mother-in-law. She took it and, when lifted to her feet, was healed. She was able to return to her duties in preparing and serving a Sabbath meal. How often the hand of Christ is extended to us. We can respond and be helped, or we can reject it and suffer the great loss of his blessing. After all, it was Christ's hand that would be pierced by a spike, as our Lord was nailed to the cross on which he died for our sins.
There is an impressive painting which pictures Christ surrounded by a group of little children. They seem to be very happy in the presence of our Lord, their little faces wreathed in smiles. But little children are curious and they do not hesitate to ask questions. One child is fascinated by the wound in Christ's hand. The painting is given the title of her question: "What happened to your hand?" It was a hand wounded for us and still bearing its awful scar. It has been said that nails could not have held Christ on the cross if his love for us had not done so. The hand of Christ reminds us of God's love. It reaches out to us today in every time of need, offering us help and forgiveness. What is our reaction?
