Peter’s Mother-in-Law Mark 1:29-34

Thoughts from Mark 1:29-34. 

Here, Mark tells the story of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law.  When Simon and Andrew, with James and john, left the synagogue in Capernaum, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew.  Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.

Simon Peter was married and apparently, his wife’s mother lived with them.  When Jesus saw His mother-in-law, he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.  Immediately the fever left her and she waited on them.  Probably Jesus had been invited to dine at Simon’s home.  When the fever left Simon’s mother-in-law, they went on about the business of eating.  In passing, we note that Simon’s wife later traveled with him (1 Corinthians 9:5) on his missionary journeys.

When the sun was setting, according to Mark, the people began bringing to Jesus “all who were ill and those who were demon possessed.”  Mark (verse34) says that Jesus healed “many” who were ill with various diseases, and cast out “many” demons.  Matthew says that Jesus healed “all” who were ill.  Luke says, that Jesus laid His hands on “each one” of those who were ill and was healing them.  In addition, demons were coming out of “many.”   We are thankful that Jesus healed and delivered so many people.

Clearly, two classes of suffering are indicated.  Mark distinguishes between those who suffer from illness and those who are demon-possessed.  Many people today do not acknowledge the existence of demon possession.   All suffering and oppression are classified as ordinary illnesses.  Although we do believe that demons exist, it would not be correct to classify all illnesses as demon possession or oppression.  Both types of affliction definitely exist and are in evidence today.

We will continue this discussion in my next “thoughts.”

George M. Flattery, Ed.D., is the founder of Global University and Network211.