What is the greatest moment you have experienced?  When was that time when you knew nobody else but God could have done this?  What was a troubling trial lifted out of your hands?  How did you feel when the trial was over and it was taken care of in a way you never expected?  Do you remember the smile that returned along with the peace that followed a sigh of relief?  There are so many times in my own life that there is not enough time to tell it all.  But I know Who was responsible for it all.  Jesus advocating to our Father in Heaven for me.

Yes, Jesus, Son of God, does that.  He did it for Peter right in the middle of Jesus’ earthly ministry to “seek and to save the lost”, “to take our sicknesses” as well as teach us how to live the way God intended for us.  All these works, foretold by the prophets and fulfilled in Jesus give us glimpses into the Kingdom of God that lives in all of us who believe. 

Troubles come in right in the middle of ministry often.  But so does the touch of Jesus who gives us glimpses into the Kingdom of God work.  Consider the scene.  Peter has committed to following Jesus, leaving his fishing work and family behind.  Jesus knows Peter’s mother-in-law is very ill.  Jesus, God’s Son, also knows how her sickness is troubling to Peter.  Jesus goes with Peter to his house to take care of people that are precious to him so Peter can take care of people precious to God.  Let that sink in, ministry leaders.

When we accept the call to fully follow Jesus with our lives, He takes care of those people that we care about on our journey with Him.  Why?  Because he loves and cares for them as much as He cares for you!  Jesus loves ALL people.  He knows what you need.  He knows what your loved ones need.  Peter, experienced in how Jesus cared for him, wrote;

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Simply stated and fully believed.  Do you think Peter may have recalled the day Jesus’ touch of healing was provided to his mother-in-law right in the middle of his journey with following Jesus in ministry to others?  I think he probably did along with many other instances where Jesus gave Peter glimpses into the Kingdom of God!

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 8:14-17, NLT

Jesus Heals Many People

¹⁴ When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. ¹⁵ But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

¹⁶ That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. ¹⁷ This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

“He took our sicknesses
    and removed our diseases.”

POINTS TO PONDER…

Peter was daily taught by Jesus, the Word made flesh, while Jesus followed God’s commands.  While walking the earth, Jesus invested his life in Peter.  Read the gospel accounts and we learn that Jesus would correct him, remind, rebuke and forgive him all while unconditionally loving on Peter who had a greater work designed just for him in God’s Kingdom work.  In other words, Jesus took constant CARE of Peter as Peter took care of what God had given him to do. 

Peter would write his own letters later to the churches established after Jesus rose again and later ascended to Heaven.  Peter, who learned from the Master Teacher, Jesus, who assigned him to be “The Rock upon whom His church will be established”, (Read the whole passage in Matthew 16) writes; 

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.  (1 Peter 5)

Yes, God will take of us, you and I, no matter what, in the best way possible, the Kingdom way!

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Thank you for loving and caring for us every minute of every day.  To you be the glory, honor and praise for what you do in us to “restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast”.  You are God and we are your children whom you love and cherish.  Thank you, Lord, for these precious thoughts of your never-ending care.

In Jesus Name, Amen