38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. (Luke 4:38-41 KJV)
Jesus Heals Simon’s Mother-in-law and Many Others
Christ showed himself as a healer of diseases. While casting out demons addressed the root of man’s misery—Satan’s hostility—healing physical sickness tackled one of its widespread effects. Diseases came with sin and are among the most common and painful parts of human life. Jesus often confirmed his message by healing these afflictions.
Of all bodily diseases, fevers are especially dangerous. They come suddenly and may be deadly. Here, Christ healed Peter’s mother-in-law, who was taken with a severe fever (Luke 4:38-39). He was at Simon’s house. This teaches us several things:
Christ blesses those who welcome him into their homes; he brings healing. Even homes visited by Christ are not exempt from illness. Simon’s wife’s mother had a serious fever, possibly affecting her mind. The most severe afflictions may befall good people. Even the elderly, like Peter’s mother-in-law, can be struck by illness.
When our loved ones are sick, we should turn to Christ in prayer, as they did for her. Christ, showing deep concern, stood over her and rebuked the fever—it left her immediately. His word carried the power to heal. The miracle was instant: she rose immediately.
Christ gives new life not only to heal but for his service. Those delivered from sickness should devote themselves to serving him. She ministered not only to Christ, but also to those who prayed for her. Gratitude to intercessors is part of our service to Christ.
A general summary follows: that evening, at sunset, many others who were sick came to him (Luke 4:40). It was still the Sabbath day, but Jesus worked until the end, doing good. He healed all who came, regardless of the disease, proving he had a remedy for every malady. He laid hands on the sick—not lifting them in prayer but healing by his own authority—and thereby honored the gesture later used in conferring the Holy Spirit.
He also cast out many demons (Luke 4:41). The demons cried out, calling him the Son of God, but Christ silenced them. Their confessions, though true, came from fear and rage and were not accepted as testimony. He would not allow them to speak, so it would be clear he had authority over them, not collaboration with them.