Sometimes we know their location, like with the woman at the well. Or condition, like with the woman with the issue of blood. The woman on my heart tonight is known in the context of a relationship. After Jesus left the synagogue that day, He went to Simon’s house. This story is worth telling for a few reasons. One, because she didn’t ask to be healed, and two because her healing went beyond her personal benefit.
“After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them.” Luke 4:38-39 NLT
She Didn’t Ask
Everyone asked Jesus on her behalf: she didn’t ask for healing. She couldn’t make her own needs known. The disciples asked Jesus about her, and He responded by rebuking her fever. As I write this it’s World Mental Health Day, so it is worth noting that Jesus didn’t rebuke her for being ill. And He didn’t rebuke them for asking. He rebuked the problem and resolved the issue.
There are issues that linger in our lives because we focus our rebuke in the wrong direction.
We know her as Simon’s mother-in-law because relationships are valuable. Family, those who are related by blood and those who are related by heart, have value.
Sometimes those in need of prayer don’t or can’t come on their own. Scripture bears this out as well:
“As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.” Luke 4:40 NLT
Jesus healing Simon’s relative caused other people to bring family members to Him for healing. His touch is still available to us. Jesus is ready and waiting to heal and transform lives. Will you ask on someone else’s behalf today?