“As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them” (Mark 1:29–31).
Peter had a mother-in-law! He was married! Did he have kids? How about John, James, Andrew, and the others? Were they married?
It’s interesting that the Bible speaks so little concerning their families. I could find only one other reference to the Apostle’s families. The Apostle Paul indicated that Peter’s wife was supportive of his ministry. “Don’t we have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife like the other apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas?” (1 Corinthians 9:5).
Before I return to the story of Peter’s mother-in-law, let me interject… I’m eternally grateful for my supportive wife, for my partner in ministry and in life. Thanks, Carla!
Now, notice from Mark’s account, that Jesus didn’t say a single word. Jesus “took her by the hand, and raised her up”(Mark 1:15). Matthew reported, “He touched her hand, and the fever left her” (Matthew 8:15).
When Jesus restored the leper to perfect health, He was “moved with compassion” and said, “be made clean” (Mark 1:41). To the paralytic carried by four friends, Jesus commanded, “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home” (Mark 2:11). On the Sabbath Day, Jesus instructed the man with the withered hand to “stretch out your hand” (Mark 3:5). To the Demoniac, Jesus commanded, “come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” (Mark 5:8). And to the twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus, Jesus whispered, “little girl, I say to you, get up” (Mark 5:41).
There is power in His word!
There is also power in His touch. He took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and lifted her up! In His presence, she was restored.
So … “she got up and began to serve him” (Matthew 8:15).
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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