The Need for Healing
"As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them." - Mark 1:29-31
Today's passage from Mark is near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He has just spent time teaching in the synagogue and healing people. He arrives at his friend's house, but His work is not over.
Jesus came to heal people — not just physically, as in the case of Simon’s mother-in-law, but also emotionally and spiritually. The passage says Jesus "took her by the hand and lifted her up." I like to think that in times of hurt, Jesus lifts us up as well.
Simon’s mother-in-law felt better after Jesus healed her. She was also compelled to serve Him. When our hearts and minds are changed by Jesus, by an encounter with Him, or by His healing presence, we are compelled to serve — to share that healing love with others. Whatever "healing" we might need, when we encounter Jesus, our lives are forever changed.