Healed to Serve

Read through the Gospels in a Year: Luke 4:38-44
Read the New Testament in a Year: Philippians 1:1-11
Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. — Luke 4:38

Simon was concerned for his mother-in-law. She was in the grip of a high fever that could easily kill her. Jesus likely knew that Simon’s heart was filled with anxiety and fear. So he came to Simon’s house, where “they asked Jesus to help her.” Then Jesus bent over her like a surgeon who knew what he was doing. He looked beyond just giving her good medical advice. He showed his ability to heal people right on the spot. He demanded that the fever go away, and it did.

What was this woman’s first reaction to the deep healing of her body? She likely felt her strength return like an old friend. She quickly resumed her place as a caretaker in Simon’s home. Her first response to her healing was to serve ­others, as she had always done. It was how she expressed her gratitude to Jesus. She served others as a living witness of the Master’s life-giving power.

How do we respond when Jesus heals us—body and soul? Do we, out of gratitude, reach out to serve others?