Prelude: Where are we going in our spiritual lives? Do we trust Jesus to lead the way? Purpose: Let’s learn to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-39.
Mark 1:29-31 Simon’s M-i-L
Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
Simon’s mother in law was completely healed. She did not need to recuperate, but rather jumped right in to serve her guests. It was deemed an honor and privilege to serve guests. Jesus also showed the role of a servant by washing the disciples’ feet and dying on the cross.
The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and her service are a metaphor for God’s plan. It is a message filling the whole Bible. God heals to free us from the physical and spiritual consequences of a sinful world so that we might join him in service to heal the whole world.
Sin causes fear, failure, despair and doubt. God’s promises are not for us alone. Do we go to church and home without one thought of sharing God’s healing with a hurting world? Do we see God’s healing as an opportunity to also free others from hunger, discrimination, sickness, and sin?
Mark 1:32-39 Healing all Things
At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.
The healing offered by God encompasses all things, broken hearts, mental problems, national healing, healing racial and ethnic divides, healing agricultural land and healing families. Every aspect of our lives is reachable with God’s healing. We need healing nationally, individually, communities, business practices, crime, churches, politics, families, marriages, and children.
Jesus often just helped someone to their feet and they were healed (Mark 1:29-39). The disciples anointed people with oil (Mark 6:13). Jesus once used mud (John 9:6-11). We are taught to use oil (James 5:14-16). Elder in its historical context referred to local church leaders.
After healing, Jesus told His disciples, Let’s go to a different place! Jesus assembles us for the healing of our souls. Then we are dismissed to a different place. Our journey of faith is from a place where Jesus healed us to a place where we join Him healing others.
Postlude: Jesus comes to heal our souls, our lives, our soil, our nation, our community, our families, and our hearts. We go to a different place spiritually where we spread His healing joy to others.
Readings
Isaiah 40:21-31 The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.
1 Corinthians 9:16-23 woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
