Jesus went home with Peter and saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served them. That evening people brought to Jesus many who were demon-possessed. He threw the spirits out with just a word. He healed everyone who was sick. This happened so that what Isaiah the prophet said would be fulfilled: He is the one who took our illnesses and carried away our diseases. (Matthew 8:14-17, CEB)
I have a lot of issues and heard a lot of things about this passage. Why does it matter that Peter’s mother-in-law got up and served them after Jesus healed her? Isn’t this saying that Jesus made her better so she could make him a sandwich? Or soup? Or whatever food you want to insert here?
No, it is not about her serving, but it is about restoration. And before I go here, I am not saying that a woman’s place is in the place of serving. When Jesus lived, women served, and she was restored to her place in society. When one was sick in Jesus day you were removed from society because you could not fulfill your role. Jesus healing people not only made them physically better but allowed them to be a part of society again. it is a total healing.
That is what Jesus does for us, and calls us to do in the community. to restore people to community. For all of us to be included and a part of the kindom.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 