Dear Neighbor,
What are the actions of a thankful person?
In Luke 4:38-39, there is a very short story about Jesus’ healing of Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law. Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue, and the people were amazed at his teaching because unlike the rabies, Jesus spoke with authority. After leaving the synagogue, he came into Simon’s (Peter’s) home. Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever.
I do not know how Jesus came to be in Simon’s home. Did Simon (Peter) invite him or did Jesus suggest it? The text does suggest invitation because the text says that they asked Jesus to help hear. Jesus demonstrated compassion towards Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law and for the household of Simon (Peter). Jesus stood over her, he rebuked the fever and it left her.
If Jesus commanded that an illness or demon depart, it did what Jesus commanded. The high fever departed from Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law upon Jesus rebuke of it.
What does she do after the fever left her? Does she curse God for giving her a fever? Does she say, “Why did you give me a fever, a good woman, and a descendant of Abraham?” No, she immediately got up and served them. She served the Lord and his disciples. Service is a true demonstration of thanksgiving!
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
