Mark 1:29-39 (ESV)

29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Right after Jesus left the synagogue in Capernaum, he went to Peter (Simon) and Andrew’s house. Peter’s mother-in-law was sick. It is interesting to note that Peter had a mother-in-law, which means he was married. Clearly, God does not oppose marriage or desire spiritual leaders in the church to remain unmarried, contrary to what some may teach. Jesus simply walked up to Peter’s mother-in-law, took her by the hand, lifted her up, and she was healed. No magic formula or drawn-out process was needed. In fact, Peter’s mother-in-law was so restored to health that she was able to serve immediately without weakness. Jesus went on to heal many who were sick or demon-possessed. Then the crowds came to Jesus at sundown because the Sabbath had ended. The people heard about his teaching and healing power and wanted help from him. Verse 33 says, “The whole city was gathered at the door.”  Jesus extended his compassion toward this crowd in Capernaum and healed many people that evening. He also delivered the people from evil spirits, and yet he commanded the demons to remain silent, as he didn’t want any advertisement from them at this time. Jesus was in absolute authority over sickness and the demonic realm.

The whole city of Capernaum came to Jesus for help. But to be healed or delivered, they had to admit they needed help. These people realized Jesus possessed a supernatural authority and was able to restore their broken bodies. We too must see our need for help. We are all spiritually sick and in desperate need of Jesus’ touch. We have all sinned or done things our own way instead of God’s way. Because God is absolutely holy, or morally pure, and we are not, our sin creates a separation between God and us. And when we come to Jesus’ door, confessing and asking for help, he will heal us. If you are a Christian, thank the Lord that he has allowed you to see your spiritual need and respond accordingly. Yet many think they are whole or complete without the help of Christ. When they stand before God in judgment, they will see that they didn’t meet God’s perfect standard for human life. Stop and pray for those who think they are well without Christ. Ask the Lord to allow them to see their tremendous need for a Savior today.