Simon Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed

Mark 1:29 begins, "Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue" (v. 29a). What just happened? It was the Sabbath, so Jesus was in the synagogue teaching (v. 21). There was a man in attendance who was possessed by an "unclean spirit" (v. 23). Jesus proceeded to cast the unclean spirit out of this man to the astonishment of all who were present (vv. 25-27).

Jesus and His disciples "entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John" (v. 29b). Simon, or Peter as Jesus called him, and Andrew were brothers. James and John, brothers also, were the sons of Zebedee and fishermen who were colleagues of Peter and Andrew. Peter's home was likely the Galilean headquarters for Jesus's ministry.

What they immediately encountered was the fact that Peter's mother-in-law "lay sick with a fever" (v. 30a). Luke clarifies that she has a "high fever" (Luke 4:38b). The Greek word here refers to a fever or scorching heat, hence, a "high fever" (v. 38b). They wasted no time in letting Jesus know about the situation (Mark 1:30b).

Jesus "came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them" (v. 31). Again Luke clarifies, Jesus "stood over her and rebuked the fever" (Luke 4:39a).

"Rebuked" (v. 39a) refers to making sharp criticism of behavior. In Luke 8:24b, Jesus "rebuked the wind and the raging of the water," and all was calm. Here in Luke 4, Jesus "rebuked" (v. 35) the unclean spirit and cast it out of a man. Now, Jesus "rebuked the fever" (v. 39a) and she was well. The fact that she was well is proven by her fixing dinner for them and serving them (v. 39b).

In each case, whether the wind and the waves, a demon, or a fever, Jesus rebuked it. He told it that what it was doing was wrong and He commanded it to cease. And in each case, His command was immediately obeyed. Jesus is clearly in charge over all things. Whenever a need arises, pray about it, turn it over to Jesus, and let Him work His will in your life. Amen.

From Water to Wine

The first miracle of Jesus as recorded in Scripture, was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee: "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee" (John 2:1a). We are told simply that "the Mother of Jesus was there" (v. 1b). The text also adds that "both Jesus and His disciples (just five so far) were invited to the wedding" (v. 2). It would appear that the bride or the groom was either related to Mary or a friend of hers, as she was in charge of the kitchen staff, bringing food and wine to all the guests (vv. 3ff).

They ran out of wine; shear disaster at an event of this magnitude! Mary came to Jesus and said simply, "They have no wine" (v. 3). Jesus responded bluntly, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come" (v. 4). That seems a little harsh at first glance, especially considering He is speaking to His mother, but what Jesus was telling her is that it was not yet time to reveal Himself to the masses.

His mother turned to the servants and said, "Whatever He says to you, do it" (v. 5). Great advice! When you are walking with Jesus and hearing His call, and His still small voice speaks to your heart and mind, do it. Whatever it is, do as Jesus directs you. Don't hesitate. Just say, "Yes, Lord," and follow everything He asked of you.

"Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece" (v. 6). Note two things here: (1) These waterpots were certainly clean because they were used for holding the water used in purification ceremonies. In certain situations of life, the Law of Moses required the Jews to perform a ceremony of purification to make them clean again. The water used for this was held in these waterpots.

(2) These waterpots were made "of stone" (v. 6a). Stone does not absorb the liquid they contain. It does not absorb the taste of any liquid, thus ensuring that there could be no mistake concerning what was contained in these six large waterpots. Water in; Wine out! No mistaking that by these servants "who had drawn the water" (v. 9b). They knew the truth!

"Jesus said to them, 'Fill the waterpots with water.' And they filled them up to the brim" (v. 7). When Jesus reveals what He wants you to do, fill it up to the brim! Pour yourself completely into whatever He asks of you. Never do things just partway when it comes to serving the Lord Jesus.

"And He said to them, 'Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.' And they took it" (v. 8). Again, the servants immediately did what Jesus directed them to do. No hesitation. Immediate action should be taken by us as well.

"When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, 'Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!'" (vv. 9-10).

It was the best wine, the finest wine, that Jesus made from water. He does nothing partway. His work is the best. But take note, with this first miracle, He did not reveal who He was to the masses. Only He, His five disciples who were there, Mary, and the servants knew. No one else! His time had "not yet come" (v. 4b).

"This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him" (v. 11). The purpose was accomplished. He revealed Himself to just a few. The masses didn't know what happened. His disciples did know, and they "believed in Him" (v. 11b). Their faith was growing. Believe in Jesus and watch Him grow your faith. Amen.