The word was out for sure. After Jesus amazed the Capernaum worshippers in the synagogue with His amazing teaching and the healing of the man with evil spirits, the word spread like wildfire.
28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. – Mark 1:28
Not to be abrupt, but it was lunch time; time for the Sabbath meal. Since Simon and Andrew lived in Capernaum, Jesus and the disciples went to Simon’s house. But there was a problem.
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the house of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. – Mark 1:29-31
Hmm. Far be it from me to make light of the fact that they couldn’t wait on themselves. To their credit, we will assume that their care of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was greater than their empty stomachs. Once Jesus healed her, she went immediately to her duties.
As a side note, I find it interesting that this happened frequently after Jesus healed someone. He would tell them to do something, usually something that they were accustomed to doing, something rather ordinary. I’m sure there’s a lesson in there somewhere. But I digress…
The rest of the afternoon would have been set aside for rest. Remember, it was the Sabbath.
Meanwhile, those who were at synagogue that morning were walking (as far as one was allowed to walk on Sabbath) to spread the word of what happened that morning. Many began making plans on how they would get their sick loved ones to Jesus as soon as Sabbath was officially over at sundown.
32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 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
No more rest for Jesus. He patiently cared for each one who came. And again he drove out demons, but note that He “would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.” Perhaps Jesus wanted to show the people by word and deed the kind of Messiah he was because they had a distorted view of what the Messiah would be. He was not ready yet to totally reveal himself.
We have no idea how many people came to Simon Peter’s door that evening to be healed. Possibly this went on into the late night.
I can only imagine that after all the spiritual energy needed for continual healing, Jesus earthly body was most likely spent. He closed his eyes after an exhausting day.
We’ve had those days––doing good things all day but completely spent by day’s end. How wonderful to lay your body down and welcome sweet rest.
Next week, we’ll think about “interruptions.”
~ Joyce ~
Very insightful!
Thanks, Janet. I’m honored that you have subscribed to the blog.
Thank you for sharing your insight. Blessings.
Thanks, Diana. Glad to have another writer reading it. So glad to see you last month.
Joyce…this sounds like Thanksgiving Day for some….Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate your thoughts and your blog.
Thanks, Connie. Yes, some family gatherings may have an unwanted spirit hovering over them. I hope most had a good Thanksgiving.
“The Word is Out” brings a profound picture of who Christ is. He is a healer of all facets of our lives and is no respecter of persons. And… at the end of the day he provides REST in Him. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gifts!
Well said, Becky. Thanks for your comment.
I am reminded to be more patient! Love your blog!