Jesus Heals Many People (A Reflection on Mark 1:29-34)

“Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, and as soon as Jesus arrived,

he was told about her. He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up.

The fever left her, and she began to wait on them.” (Mark 1:30-31, GNB)

In the previous verses we read that Jesus have authority over lives when He called the fishermen to become His followers, His authority over minds when the people were amazed at His teachings, His authority over spirits when He ordered evil spirit from a man in the synagogue and here we see that Jesus also have authority over illnesses.

I assumed by now the disciples were beginning to grow in faith. I think that was why “they immediately told Jesus about [Simon’s mother-in-law]” (1:30, NLT) for Him to heal her. Jesus went, lifted her to her feet, and she was immediately well. She was sick with fever on bed one time and then another time – she gets busy preparing a meal. The healing is instant and complete, not like today’s modern healing schemes! Later that day Jesus healed a great crowd of people (v. 32-34). He was the busiest man in town.

As I read this, I asked myself ‘Why Jesus heals?’ The Scripture seems to give more than one reason. Because He is compassionate, to fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, to reveal the Father’s glory, to destroy the works of the devil – and most importantly, to prove His mission on earth, that is “to preached the Good News from God” (1:14). It is important for us to understand that healing is not the end, the Gospel or the Good News from God about His Son, Jesus Christ, is. Healing, just as for the case of miracle, is a sign to what is more important – namely, Jesus Christ Himself. If we seek healing more than we seek the Healer, then we have missed the point (Be extra careful with false teachers nowadays. Be wise and discern).

But there is nothing wrong with asking for healing. It is even commanded in the Scripture. Simon’s mother-in-law who did not ask for it (but the disciples asked for her) and the people who come for it – both were healed by Jesus. Indeed, He is the Healer. Sometime we do not receive healing because we didn’t ask for it. All we have to do is ask. But sometimes it is because we don’t really believe in the Healer… In this case, get to know Him personally. Ask God and seek Him first. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.