Matthew 8:14-15 The Miraculous Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law

Introduction: In Matthew 8 and 9 Matthew writes about a series of miraculous healings by Jesus. This one is the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law.

I. Peter’s house, Verse 14

A. Back in Matthew 4:13 we learned that Jesus had moved from Nazareth to Capernaum.

B. In our text we learn that Peter also lived at Capernaum.

1. He was not a native of Capernaum, but of Bethsaida, John 1:44

(Also on the Sea of Galilee.)

2. He had apparently moved to Capernaum because if offered better opportunities in the

fishing industry.

C. He and Andrew shared a house there. Mark 1:29

D. Our text does not say why Jesus came to their home but it is possible that Jesus lived there.

1. We do know that He did not have a place of His own. Verse 20

2. Someone must have opened their doors to Him and it may have been Peter and

Andrew.

II. Peter’s wife, Verse 14

A. The Apostle Peter was married.

B. We might not think much about this, but there are those who teach that Peter succeeded Jesus

as the Head of the church. (They also teach that preachers are not to marry.)

C. It is obvious that they must be wrong on one thing or the other.

(Either Peter was not the Head of the church or else preachers may marry.)

D. Actually they are wrong on both counts.

1. Jesus did not relinquish His position as Head of the church to Peter nor anybody else,

Ephesians 5:23.

2. The preachers were free to marry, I Corinthians 9:5.

E. Some explain that Peter’s wife died, but she was still living years later when Paul wrote

I Corinthians 9:5.

III. Peter’s mother-in-law, Verse 14

A. Jesus saw her.

(Mark 1:30 says that others first told Him about her illness and then He saw her.)

B. She was “laid”. (She was bedfast.)

C. She was sick with a fever.

(They had no thermometers, but they could tell by the touch that she had fever.)

IV. The miraculous healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, Verse 15

A. It was not necessary for Him to touch her.

1. Jesus had healed the servant of the centurion without touching him.

2. He could have done all of His healing without touching those who were sick.

B. But Jesus chose to touch this woman, as well as most of those whom He healed.

1. This leads us to believe that He had a reason.

2. For one thing, it erased all doubt as to how she got healed.

V. The serving done by the woman after she was healed, Verse 15

A. Some suggest she served because Peter’s wife was dead. (Not so. She was not dead.

I Corinthians 9:5)

B. Her serving proved the completeness of her healing.

1. She was able to cook and to serve.

2. This illustrates that when Jesus saves, He completely saves.

C. She served because of her gratitude to Jesus.

(Likewise, when one is saved, he wishes to serve Jesus for the same reason.)

D. She also served others.

1. She knew that this would please Jesus.

2. One of the best ways to serve Jesus is by serving others.

Conclusion:

1. Jesus had a lot rather save a lost soul than to heal His apostle’s mother-in-law. Trust Him now.

2. Jesus wants men, women, boys and girls who will serve Him.

Preached at Pleasant Hill 1-16-83 A.M.