14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. (Matthew 8:14-17 KJV)
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many others
Some who analyze the harmony of the Gospels place this passage, along with the rest of Matthew 8–9, before the Sermon on the Mount, following the order of Mark and Luke. Dr. Lightfoot, however, places only this passage before the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 8:18 and onward after it.
This passage gives a particular account of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law, who was sick with a fever. Though fevers were common, her healing is recorded as an example of Christ’s care for the families of his disciples. This account shows that Peter was married, yet still called as an apostle, proving that marriage is not an obstacle to ministry. The Church of Rome, which forbids clergy from marrying, contradicts this example. Peter owned a house, though Christ himself had no home (Matthew 8:20).
Peter lived in Capernaum, though he was originally from Bethsaida, possibly moving there because Jesus had made it his main place of ministry. Being close to Christ is worth any sacrifice. Peter had his mother-in-law living with him, demonstrating kindness to family. Elderly relatives should be cared for with respect and tenderness. She was ill with a fever. Both chronic and acute illnesses were brought to Christ for healing.
Jesus touched her hand—not to check her pulse like a physician, but to heal her. This touch symbolizes his kindness and power. Just as he touched her, his Spirit touches hearts to bring spiritual healing. She immediately got up and began serving them, proving she was completely healed. Natural recovery from fever leaves weakness, but Christ’s healing was instant and complete. True gratitude for Christ’s mercy leads to serving him.
Later that evening, many others came seeking healing. Seeing Peter’s mother-in-law cured gave them confidence that Jesus could heal them too. He cast out demons with a word, showing his authority over evil spirits. During Jesus’ time, there seemed to be an increase in demonic activity, which God allowed so Christ could demonstrate his power over Satan. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and he succeeded. He healed all who were sick, regardless of their status or how severe their condition was.
This fulfilled Isaiah 53:4: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Peter later applied this to sin (1 Peter 2:24), but Matthew applied it to sickness. Christ bore sin on the cross and removed sickness through his miracles. Though physical healing was temporary, his greater work was dealing with the root cause—sin. Christ, though never sick himself, experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, sorrow, and deep anguish. He understands our suffering and shares in it with compassion. Because of this, our burdens are lighter when we trust him.
Matthew 8:14-17 highlights Jesus’ power, compassion, and fulfillment of prophecy, showing that he is the true Messiah.