What's striking here is that Luke, a physician, subtly highlights the severity of the fever by calling it a "great fever," a term medical professionals used to distinguish it from less serious ailments. This detail, along with their urgent appeal, underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation, revealing Jesus' compassion for even the most desperate needs.
And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just delivered a powerful message in the synagogue at Capernaum, and as he leaves, he enters the home of Simon Peter. There, they find Peter's mother-in-law severely ill with a high fever, prompting the family to urgently ask Jesus for her healing. This event immediately follows his synagogue sermon and sets the stage for Jesus' ministry of healing and compassion in Capernaum.
Jesus didn't just minister in public. This story shows Him entering the everyday life of a disciple's family. What does that tell us about His heart?
When Jesus entered Simon Peter's house, it was more than just a pit stop. It was a glimpse into His willingness to engage with the ordinary, even the familial.
A Married Disciple
Hospitality and Ministry Intertwined
Luke, the beloved physician, notes a specific detail about the fever. What does this medical observation reveal about Jesus' power?
Ask a follow-up
Luke, a skilled physician himself, uses precise language to describe the illness. This isn't just a casual mention; it's a deliberate choice that amplifies the miracle.
'Great Fever'
Jesus' Authority Over Sickness
The family didn't just tell Jesus about the illness; they "appealed to him." What does this urgent request teach us about approaching God?
The urgency in the family's approach to Jesus is a powerful lesson for us today.
The Power of Intercession
Prompt Faith, Prompt Response
Understand the original words
synagōgē · Greek Noun
A place of assembly for Jewish prayer, scripture reading, and teaching; it served as the center of communal religious life for Jews in the first century.
epitimaō · Greek Verb
To express strong disapproval, censure, or a stern command to cease; biblically, it is used by Jesus to silence demons, calm the elements, or remove sickness.
diakoneō · Greek Verb
To wait upon, minister to, or perform duties for others; in a biblical context, it often refers to the humble service rendered in response to grace or out of gratitude for a work of God.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus begins teaching and healing, calling disciples and gathering followers.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus preaches in Capernaum synagogue
Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Capernaum, demonstrating his authority and ability to cast out demons.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law
Jesus immediately heals Peter's mother-in-law, who was suffering from a high fever, showcasing his power over illness.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus heals many in Capernaum
As evening falls, Jesus continues to heal many sick people and cast out demons, as word of his power spreads.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus departs Capernaum
The next morning, Jesus leaves Capernaum to preach in other towns, fulfilling his mission to spread the message of God's kingdom.
This passage in Matthew provides a parallel account of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law, offering a slightly different perspective on the same event and highlighting Jesus's compassion.
Mark 1:29Mark's Gospel also records this healing, giving the detail that Jesus entered the house with Andrew as well, underscoring the disciples' immediate connection to Jesus's ministry.
1 Corinthians 9:5Paul mentions that Peter and the other apostles, like their brothers James and Cephas, had wives who traveled with them, providing context that Peter was a married man, which is relevant to his mother-in-law being present.
Luke 5:12This passage describes Jesus healing a man with leprosy immediately after the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, showing a pattern of Jesus's power over disease shortly after this initial healing.
Isaiah 35:5-6These verses prophesy about the Messiah opening the eyes of the blind and unstopping the ears of the deaf, which echoes the healing power Jesus demonstrates here and throughout his ministry.
cambridgeLuke 4:38: "And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her."
38, 39. The Healing of Simon’s Wife’s Mother 38 . into Simon’s house ] St Mark, nearly connected with St Peter, says more accurately “the house of Simon and Andrew” ( Luke 1:29 ). This is the first mention of Peter in St Luke, but the name was too well known in the Christian Church to need further explanation. Peter and Andrew wer…
clarkeLuke 4:38: "And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her."
Simon's wife's mother - See on Matthew 8:14-17 (note). As soon as Peter began to follow Christ, his family began to benefit by it. It is always profitable to contract an acquaintance with good men. One person full of faith and prayer may be the means of drawing down innumerable blessings on his family and acquaintance. Every perso…
What's striking here is that Luke, a physician, subtly highlights the severity of the fever by calling it a "great fever," a term medical professionals used to distinguish it from less serious ailments. This detail, along with their urgent appeal, underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation, revealing Jesus' compassion for even the most desperate needs.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful message in the synagogue at Capernaum, and as he leaves, he enters the home of Simon Peter. There, they find Peter's mother-in-law severely ill with a high fever, prompting the family to urgently ask Jesus for her healing. This event immediately follows his synagogue sermon and sets the stage for Jesus' ministry of healing and compassion in Capernaum.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful message in the synagogue at Capernaum, and as he leaves, he enters the home of Simon Peter. There, they find Peter's mother-in-law severely ill with a high fever, prompting the family to urgently ask Jesus for her healing. This event immediately follows his synagogue sermon and sets the stage for Jesus' ministry of healing and compassion in Capernaum.
"And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she r…" — What's striking here is that Luke, a physician, subtly highlights the severity of the fever by calling it a "great fever," a term medical professionals used to distinguish it from less serious ailmen…
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Last reviewed October 2026
