Intro. We come to our next message as we look at the Miracles in Galilee. Galilee was the region of most of the Lord’s ministry. Though, the purpose of His ministry would be fulfilled in Jerusalem, He ministered to those around the Sea of Galilee. In these Miracles, we can learn many things that can apply to our lives today.
I. The Invitation - Jesus was welcomed into the home.
A. The Presence - the family benefitted from Peter’s relationship to Christ.
Not at all an uncommon principle: The Nobleman we saw a few weeks ago:
John 4:53 "So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house."
Paul told the Jailer: Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
And in Acts 18:8 "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."
B. The Permission - Jesus was a welcomed Guest - Our Lord is everywhere, but will only effect, or be effective to those that welcome His presence. Oh that we would have the attitude of the Greeks that came to Philip:
John 12:21 "The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus." As much as we have mentioned this, it is very foundational. Most would say He is welcome. We even confess that we love the Lord. But is He invited? Is it common for the presence of Christ to be in our homes?
C. The Privacy - this miracle was done in a private home.
After this, people will bring the sick to Jesus, but Jesus was not performing miracles as a means to an end. He did it because He is God.
II. The Infection - Peter’s Mother-in-law was taken with a great fever.
A. The Cause of a Fever - Though a specific sickness, but we know she had an infection. Our body has a defense mechanism that when we have an infection, our temperature rises. Many times we have Spiritual infections that hinder us. 1Co 3:3 "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
1. Infections of the Wrong Choices.
2. Infections of the Wrong Attitude.
3. Infections of Wrong Motives.
4. Infections of Pride - Self is our biggest battle!
B. The Characteristics of a Fever - How do you know if you have a Spiritual infection?
1. Lethargic
2. Irritable
3. Weary
4. Irrational (just do not think right)
5. Coldness! As the temperature rises, a strange thing can happen - chills!
III. The Intercession - vs. 38, “and they besought him for her”
The “they” is not identified. It could have been Peter and his family or James, John and Andrew, or others in the house that besought the Lord. But the fact remains, someone made intercession on her behalf. Oh to have someone pray for you!
The prerequisite for you to intercede is first that you must know Jesus! These people knew the Lord personally, and were driven to beg on the behalf of another. To intercede means that you stand before God on behalf of another.
A. We Intercede for Someone when we have Genuine Concern.
We are moved by their circumstances or just concerned for them.
B. We Intercede for Someone when we have Genuine Compassion.
The greatest care you could give is to go to the throne of God for them.
C. We will Intercede for Someone when we have Genuine Confidence.
IV. The Intervention
A. We See The Attention of the Physician - Stood over her (One commentary said this is a medical term - the physician, Luke is describing the examination)
He does the same to us! Isa 29:15 "Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?"
B. We see the Actions of the Physician
1. The Compassionate Touch - Mt 8:15 "And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them." What a personal privilege!
2. The Confirming Therapy - Mark 1:31 "And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them."
3. The Curing Treatment - Jesus rebuked the Fever, and it left - Immediately!
V. The Involvement - The Woman could not stay in BED!
A. The Change by His Touch - she served - notice, Jesus touched the hand that represents serving. When we are touched of God, we will not be satisfied with the symptoms of the FEVER - Lethargy and Coldness will be gone - We will want to get moving!
B. The Consequence of His Touch - She served immediately!
1. Service was evidence of the touch of God.
2. Service was the privilege of the touched of God.
Concl. Has a Spiritual infection cause you to lose your desire to serve the Lord?
There is a great Physician and He can heal our Spiritual infections today.
We are exhibiting Fevers by our apathy and coldness! The only antidote is a touch of the Lord. Invite Him! Intercede, Ask others to pray with and for you.
