“In 1818, Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis was born into a world of dying women. The finest hospitals lost one out of six young mothers to the scourge of ‘childbed fever.’ A doctor’s daily routine began in the dissecting room where he performed autopsies. From there he made his way to the hospital to examine expectant mothers without ever pausing to wash his hands. Dr. Semmelweis was the first man in history to associate such examinations with the result of infection and death. He then began the practice of washing his hands with a chlorine solution, and after eleven years and the delivery of 8,537 babies, he lost only 184 mothers – about one in fifty.”(1)
In Psalm 51:1-2, King David declared, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Just as Dr. Semmelweis washed his hands to ward off infection and “childbed fever,” the Bible teaches us that sin is an infection leading to a terrible fever – an infection that must be cleansed through the “washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26), and by the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5). I have entitled our message this morning, “Burning Fever Be Gone!” and I want to begin by asking us to stand in honor of the reading of God’s Word in Matthew 8:14-17:
14 Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. 16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”
Here in this passage, we read about a healing miracle, but let us first look at the scene. “When we compare Mark’s narrative of events with that of Matthew, we see that this incident happened in Capernaum, on the Sabbath day, after Jesus had worshipped in the synagogue.”(2) This miraculous healing was bestowed on Peter’s “wife’s mother [who was] lying sick with a fever” (v. 14); or, in other words, on his mother-in-law. Now, some might be astonished to learn that Peter was married. Did you know that “legend has it that in the [latter] days [of his life], Peter’s wife was his helper in the work of the gospel.”(3) In 1 Corinthians 9:5, the apostle Paul spoke of how Peter took along a “believing wife.” “Clement of Alexandria [even] tells us that Peter and his wife were martyred together.”(4)
Afflicted with a Burning Heat (vv. 14-15a)
When Jesus had come into the house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law “lying sick with a fever” (v. 14). There were three kinds of fever which were common in [ancient] Palestine. There was a fever which was called Malta fever, and which was marked by weakness, anemia and wasting away,” lasting several months and ultimately ending in death. “There was [also] what was called intermittent fever, which may well have been very [much] like typhoid fever. And above all, there was malaria.”(5) But the fever that Peter’s mother-in-law suffered, likely was not related to the three illnesses I just mentioned. Based on what we discover as we dive into the original Greek, her fever probably had a spiritual component to it.
Allow me to share something from The NIV Application Commentary: “In the time of Jesus, many considered fever an illness in and of itself and not simply a symptom of a disease. It also had more theological significance since, according to Leviticus 26:16 and Deuteronomy 28:22, it was punishment sent by God to those who had violated the covenant . . . [and] curable only by the divine intervention of God.”(6) Sometimes illness was seen as being induced by demons. In Luke 11:14, Jesus healed a man who was mute by casting out a demon; and in Matthew chapter 9, Jesus healed a paralytic by forgiving his sins (Matthew 9:2). In summary, physical illness was seen as the result of a spiritual condition; whether that be living in sin, which is the breaking of God’s law; or some kind of satanic or demonic oppression.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for “fever” is qaddahat, which means “burning heat.”(7) The New Testament Greek word for “fever” is pyretos, meaning “fiery heat.”(8) If you have ever heard the English word “pyrotechnics” for someone who sets up fireworks, or the word “pyromaniac” for someone obsessed with fire, then this word pyretos might sound familiar. Both Matthew and Mark used a form of this word (pyressousan), one made up of two participles, that can be translated as “burning with fever” (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:30). Commentator A. T. Robertson confirms this specific translation.(9) The physician Luke, when you look at the original Greek, described the mother-in-law’s fever as being a “mega fiery heat” (pyreto megalo; Luke 4:38).
Her fever likely had an evil spiritual origin, straight from the pit of hell, a place of eternal fiery heat. Did you know that in the Islamic faith, the origin of fever is believed to be hell?(10) In the verses just prior to this passage, Jesus mentioned hell to all the critics gathered around watching Him heal the centurion’s servant. In Matthew 8:12, He described hell to these critics as a place where “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” It is important for us to see the fever, along with its burning heat, as being spiritually connected to sin and hell, so we can better understand this passage. Now, we do not know if she had any sin in her life, but there was the possibility that she was under spiritual attack. You see, the devil is always looking for ways to oppress God’s people (1 Peter 5:8); and additionally, to make sure that the lost stay lost and bound for hell.
Peter’s mother-in-law was likely suffering from a satanic attack. We can support this idea by the way in which the fever subsided. The text tells us that when Jesus touched her hand that “the fever left her” (v. 15); but some commentators say that this description is too mild. The literal rendering of this statement would be “the fever forsook her.” According to Commentator David Garland, this literal translation suggests that the cause of the fever was supernatural and likely induced by a demon, as the spiritual entity that was responsible took off running.(11) It “forsook her” and went somewhere else; like when the unclean spirit named Legion fled from the presence of Jesus, departed the man who was possessed, and subsequently entered some pigs (Mark 5:1-13)!
Charles Spurgeon, who was known as the Prince of Preachers, saw this woman’s fever as at least “representing” sin. In one of his sermons, he provides examples of some possible fevers that Christians might be suffering. He says that some “are troubled with the burning heat of irritability. They take offense where none is intended.” “Some suffer from the yellow fever of avarice: they thirst for gold-water [or riches] . . . and all they long for is to gain and hoard.” “Some are smitten with the scarlet fever of ambition” trying to be someone of importance; noting that “when [ambition] rises to fever-heat, it is a great sin.” He also wittingly says, “There is one which I may well call brain-fever – a very common disease nowadays. People cannot be satisfied with the old doctrines of the gospel; they must [always] have something new”(12) – something entertaining to tickle the ears.
Spurgeon concludes that if you suffer any of these fevers, “May the cooling hand of the Holy Spirit, and the sobering influence of a divine experience, bring you back to spiritual and mental health again. These fevers are as common as they are fatal” – and if you have suffered from any of them, you must “bring them to Jesus, who can rebuke the fever, and heal the sick ones.”(13) We need to search our heart and see if we have any kind of spiritual illness in our life. If we identify any sins, then we need to confess them to the Lord and plead for His healing touch. And if you are an unbeliever, someone never having confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, then you too need to ask the Lord to forgive you and cleanse you of sin, so that your fever does not leave you burning for eternity.
Let us look again at verse 15, where “the fever left her.” Commentator David Garland says that a literal rendering, “the fever forsook her,” suggests that the cause of the fever was supernatural induced by demons.” He adds that “what is significant is Jesus’ ability to extinguish [this] fire – something that only God or God’s agent could do.”(14) Jesus putting out this supernatural burning fever proved that He was indeed the Son of God, which is important in establishing His messiahship and authority.
Jesus Healed Our Sicknesses (vv. 16-17)
I am sure this miracle of healing Peter’s mother-in-law bore witness to those around Jesus concerning His powerful connection with the heavenly Father. In fact, we know it did. According to Mark 1:32-34, “after sundown (when the Sabbath ended), the whole city gathered at the door, [so] that the Lord might meet their needs.”(15) Matthew tells us here that after the fever forsook her, the people “brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word” (v. 16). So, there were others who needed their demons forsaken too, and their fevers cured, and they were confident that Jesus could do it!
Matthew wants us to see Jesus as both Messiah and healer. In verse 17, he said that “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” He was referring to a messianic prophecy found in Isaiah chapter 53, but surprisingly it is not a direct quote. Isaiah said, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows . . . and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4a, 5b), referring to how Jesus bore our sins on the cross to see us forgiven and healed spiritually. A. T. Robertson says that Matthew expands the interpretation here to mean that the atonement of Christ includes provision for bodily healing, as well as spiritual healing.(16) But sin and sickness sometimes go together.(17) Psalm 103:2-3 declares, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” So, Jesus heals both sin and sickness!
But we must not forget that sin is a sickness. I said earlier that “in the time of Jesus, many considered fever an illness in and of itself and not simply a symptom of a disease.”(18) Sin is also an illness in and of itself, and not simply a symptom of some other problem. Sin IS the problem; one that leads to hottest of fevers if it is not forgiven; and the heat that I am referring to is hell. We read in Revelation 21:8, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” – and it is not just these sins that will send someone to hell. All unforgiven sin leads to hell. Romans 6:23 tells us, “The wages of sin is death,” the second death – spiritual death – which is eternal separation from God in a place called hell.
Since Matthew felt it important to reference Isaiah chapter 53, allow me to read verses 4-5 in its entirety: “Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” These verses describe Jesus’ death on the cross and explain the reason why He died. When He was nailed to the cross, Jesus bore our sins. In other words, He paid the price for our sins; He took our punishment. Why? So that by His stripes we can be healed of the disease of sin and be forgiven. Romans 6:23 when read in its entirety says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
You see, sin is an illness and a terrible fever that only has one cure. In Spurgeon’s expository of this passage, he eloquently states, “The cure . . . is not wrought by modern medicine, or surgery, or any profound system of the doctors. The cure [is Jesus]. The poor patient lies flat in her bed. We read, ‘She was laid, and sick with a fever.’ She could not therefore set up, much less rise from her bed. When she opened her eyes, and looked up, she saw the Lord Jesus Christ standing over her. Oh, fevered soul! Open thine eyes tonight, and see Jesus standing over thee. With tender love and infinite compassion, He looks down upon thee . . . He will help thee; therefore, fear not.”(19)
We Have Been Save to Serve (v. 15b).
Now, allow me to back up to the second half of verse 15, which says, “And she arose and served them.” “Peter’s mother-in-law proves that she has fully recovered [from her fever] by waiting on them, a sign of her physical wholeness and her spiritual responsiveness to Jesus . . . This miracle reveals that God heals so that one may better serve.”(20) Let us not miss the point that we have been saved to serve. “Healing and saving are with a view to service. Jesus [heals to enable] one to fulfill his role [and purpose] in life.”(21) You see, confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord is not about getting our fire insurance and then continuing to live for ourselves. We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:15 that “He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” We have been saved to serve the Lord Jesus. The days of serving oneself have ended.
Have you ever considered who all she served? Well, she served Jesus and Peter for sure, and she probably served her daughter and many of the disciples. In feeding them and tending to their needs, they were nourished and refreshed, and cared for, allowing them to better minister to others. And there were numerous townsfolk who appeared at her house for Jesus’ help! We read that “when evening had come, they brought to Him many” and that He “healed all who were sick” (v. 16). I would not be surprised if Peter’s mother-in-law served many of these people as well; thereby, assisting Jesus in meeting needs. Warren Wiersbe says, “Blessing in the home ought to lead to blessing in the community. The change in one woman’s life led to miracles in the lives of many people.”(22)
Time of Reflection
Spurgeon shared some closing words with his audience that I want to leave with you today: “We read that, when our Lord had touched her, He rebuked the fever. Your feverishness deserves His rebuke. Oh, that He would bid it be gone! Oh, that He would say tonight, ‘Be gone unbelief! Be gone anxiety! Be gone fretfulness! Be gone doubt and fear! [Be gone thy sins!]’ The winds and the waves heard His rebuke, and from their noise and clamor they hushed themselves to a great calm. Oh, that Jesus would come now, and speak to your feverishness”(23) and calm your heart and soul.
Peter’s mother-in-law must have felt, when lying very ill, as if she were buried in the bed; just as we feel buried in our sin. “The Savior gave His hand to her, and He lifted her up. She did not think that she could rise, but with His aid she sat up. Then He gave her an instant cure, and at the same time renewed her strength. No trace of fever remained. She was perfectly well. Her instinct, as a matronly woman and head of the household, was to rise at once to prepare a meal for her Benefactor and His disciples. Oh, that you doubting ones, you fevered ones, might at once be cured and lifted up, so that you would immediately set about serving the Lord, and ministering to those around you!”(24)
And we can be cured this very hour! Paul, speaking on behalf of the Lord, said, “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). We read in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus wants to wash us clean of the infection of sin, take away our hellish fever and send the devil running. In the book of Revelation, John gave praise to the Lord, saying, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood . . . to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 1:5-6).
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” and Romans 10:9-11 declares, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’.” Come to Jesus today and be healed of your sin. Come be washed clean and receive eternal life.
NOTES
(1) “Doctor Born into a World of Dying Women,” Family Times: https://www.family-times.net/illustration/Cleansing/201790/ (Accessed August 27, 2024).
(2) William Barclay, “The Gospel of Matthew,” The Daily Study Bible, vol. 1 (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1958), p. 313.
(3) Ibid., p. 313.
(4) Ibid., p. 313; see Stromateis 7:6.
(5) Ibid., p. 313.
(6) David E. Garland, “Mark,” The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), p. 72.
(7) D. H. Trapnell, “Health, Disease and Healing,” New Bible Dictionary (Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1962), p. 459.
(8) Ibid, p. 459.
(9) A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1930), p. 66.
(10) The Islamic prophet Muhammed said that “fever is from the heat of hell,” Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 71, 621. See also Volume 7, Book 71, 619.
(11) Garland, p. 72.
(12) Charles Spurgeon, “Fever, and its Cure,” The Spurgeon Center: https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/fever-and-its-cure/#flipbook/ (Accessed August 27, 2024).
(13) Ibid.
(14) Garland, p. 72.
(15) Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheatin, Il: Victor, 1989), pp. 33-34.
(16) Robertson, p. 67.
(17) Wiersbe, p. 34.
(18) Garland, p. 72.
(19) Spurgeon.
(20) Garland, p. 72.
(21) Frank Stagg, “Matthew – Mark,” The Broadman Bible Commentary, vol. 8 (Nashville: Broadman, 1969), p. 125.
(22) Wiersbe, pp. 33-34.
(23) Spurgeon.
(24) Spurgeon.
