When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:14-17
Jesus’ Compassion
Jesus tenderly showed his compassion to Peter’s mother-in-law, at the same time displaying his power as God. It’s true that sometimes a fever will quickly break when someone is ill. Even then, the person needs time to recover and regain strength. However, we read in this account that the woman got up when the fever left her at the touch of Jesus’ hand, and she waited on him. Jesus performed a miracle.
As a result, there were many people with sickness and demon-possession who came to Jesus on that same day. Jesus did not refuse any of them; he healed them all. He demonstrated his tender mercy and displayed his almighty power.
Jesus’ care for people’s illnesses and miraculous activity to alleviate their suffering was proof that he was the Savior promised by God’s prophets in the Old Testament. Isaiah had written about him: “He took up our pain and bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53:4). There is nothing we know, nothing we are terrorized by or burdened with, that Jesus does not know about. We always have the comfort of his presence and confidence in his power to come to our aid.
As marvelous as this is, even better is the knowledge that Jesus took up our pain and bore the suffering our sins deserved. He is the promised Savior. So, no matter what you may be suffering physically or emotionally today, rest in the comfort of knowing your Savior has made you safe spiritually.
Prayer:
When I hurt, Lord Jesus, comfort me with your presence and help me by the power of your word and the promise of the heaven you won for me. Amen.
