The visible manifestation of power characterized the ministry of Jesus. He healed the sick, raised the death, had power over nature and taught the word of God with power and boldness. The followers of Jesus received their miracles and they saw others receive their miracles as well. Jesus taught as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law and the people were amazed at his teaching (Mark 1:22). As the people experienced the phenomenal experience of Jesus' ministry, they were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about Jesus spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee (Mark 1:27-28). The people Jesus chose to be His apostles also had their own share of miracles. From abundant catch of fish, multiplication of food, a massive transformation of mindset among many others, Jesus turned ordinary Jewish young men to generational changers. Imagine the impact of the transformation. Two thousand years later, the message of Jesus is still transforming lives. Simon Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus, encountered miracles right in his house.
Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. (Mark 1:30)
Jesus had gone to the synagogue to teach. There, He had delivered a man from impure spirit. From the synagogue, Jesus and His team went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. When they got to the house, Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her (Mark 1:29-30). The apostles had just encountered a miracle in the synagogue. The Bible does not indicate whether Simon’s mother-in-law believed in Jesus or not. She was sick with fever and she needed help. The woman did not reject the help from Jesus and the apostles told Jesus immediately about the condition of the woman. Their response to the sickness wasn't that of delay, they were quick to alert Jesus about the woman's need for a miracle.
Sometimes, believers consider Jesus as the last resort. We go to Him when medical expertise fails us. I don't disapprove of anyone seeking medical attention. The point being made here is that Jesus should be involved in every situation. When we go to the doctor's, we should pray for God's wisdom for them to be able to diagnose well and give the best prescription. While we take medication, we still pray for God's intervention. Simon’s mother-in-law probably had taken medication prior to the arrival of Jesus. But, the fever was still there. Remember, Jesus would have been aware of the state of Simon’s mother-in-law but He made a move when the people informed Him. Until He was informed, nothing happened. When Jesus was notified, Mark 1:31 states that He went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. The woman who was sick and laid on the bed received strength to serve Jesus and His followers. The sickness left her body at once. She was made whole again. What a joy this miracle would have brought to the family. No wonder a ripple effect of miracles followed that evening. "That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was." (Mark 1:32-34).
Jesus is still in the business of miracles. There is power in His name to heal every form of sickness. Instead of turning to Jesus as our last alternative, let's make Him the first. May we receive mind-blowing testimonies as we commit our ways to Him.
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