Matthew 8:14-15
And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus enters Peter's home and sees his mother-in-law "laid" sick, a word that suggests she was completely prostrated by her illness. This wasn't just a mild discomfort; the original language implies she was "struck down" by a powerful fever, emphasizing the severity of her condition and the significant touch of Jesus' healing power.
Fresh from a synagogue service where Jesus powerfully cast out a demon, he enters Peter's home, likely in Capernaum, and immediately encounters another urgent need: Peter's mother-in-law is critically ill with a fever. This intimate, domestic scene sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate his healing power within the circle of his closest followers, preparing them for the ministry ahead.
When Jesus entered a private home, the first thing He noticed wasn't the hospitality or the disciples, but someone in distress. What does this tell us about His priorities?
In Matthew 8:14, Jesus arrives at Peter's house and immediately sees Peter's mother-in-law suffering.
A Heart for the Sick
The way Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law isn't just a kind act; it's a demonstration of incredible power. What does this miracle reveal about who Jesus is?
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law is a powerful display of Jesus's authority over the physical realm.
A Touch of Divine Power
Understand the original words
diakoneō · Greek Verb
To serve or minister, often in the context of household tasks, hospitality, or the service of the Lord. In the New Testament, it frequently denotes active, humble response to Jesus' grace and power.
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law occurred immediately after Jesus' authoritative teaching and exorcism in the Capernaum synagogue, underscoring his power and drawing a large crowd to him that evening.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, calling his first disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Teaches in Capernaum Synagogue
Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue at Capernaum, performing an exorcism. This event immediately precedes the healing of Peter's mother-in-law.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law
Upon entering Peter's house, Jesus finds his mother-in-law sick with a fever and heals her with a touch.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Heals Many in Capernaum
As evening falls, Jesus heals many who are suffering from various diseases and casts out demons, demonstrating his power over sickness.
This parallel account provides more detail about the healing, emphasizing Jesus's immediate touch and the woman's subsequent service, highlighting the completeness of the restoration.
Luke 4:38-39Luke's Gospel describes Jesus rebuking the fever, showing a direct command over the illness, and notes the woman was 'held' by the fever, underscoring its severity.
Isaiah 35:5-6This Old Testament prophecy speaks of the coming one opening the eyes of the blind and unstopping the ears of the deaf, but Matthew connects it to Jesus healing all manner of sicknesses, showing how physical healing points to deeper spiritual restoration.
1 Corinthians 9:5This passage discusses the apostles' right to be accompanied by believing wives, indirectly supporting the reality of Peter's marriage as implied in Matthew 8:14 and challenging later traditions about clerical celibacy.
clarkeMatthew 8:14: "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever."
Peter's house - That Peter lived at Capernaum, and that Christ lodged with him, is fully evident from this verse compared with Matthew 17:24 . Peter's - wife's mother - Learn hence, says Theophylact, that marriage is no hinderance to virtue, since the chief of the apostles had his wife. Marriage is one of the first of Divine institutions, and is a positive command of God. He says, the…
calvinMatthew 8:14-18: "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever."
- And when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed, and afflicted with fever. 15. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she arose and waited on them. 16. And when the evening had approached, they brought to him many demoniacs, and he cast out the spirits by his word, and healed all that were diseased: 17. That it might be fulfilled…
Jesus enters Peter's home and sees his mother-in-law "laid" sick, a word that suggests she was completely prostrated by her illness. This wasn't just a mild discomfort; the original language implies she was "struck down" by a powerful fever, emphasizing the severity of her condition and the significant touch of Jesus' healing power.
Fresh from a synagogue service where Jesus powerfully cast out a demon, he enters Peter's home, likely in Capernaum, and immediately encounters another urgent need: Peter's mother-in-law is critically ill with a fever. This intimate, domestic scene sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate his healing power within the circle of his closest followers, preparing them for the ministry ahead.
Fresh from a synagogue service where Jesus powerfully cast out a demon, he enters Peter's home, likely in Capernaum, and immediately encounters another urgent need: Peter's mother-in-law is critically ill with a fever. This intimate, domestic scene sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate his healing power within the circle of his closest followers, preparing them for the ministry ahead.
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The mention of Peter's 'mother-in-law' subtly confirms a detail about Peter's life that has often been discussed. What's the significance of this seemingly small detail?
This passage offers a clear, biblical affirmation of marriage, even for those in the closest circles of ministry.
Marriage is No Hindrance
This isn't just about Peter; it's about God's design for family and companionship within the context of serving Him.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Prays and Departs Capernaum
Jesus rises early to pray in a solitary place, then declares his mission is to preach in other towns, beginning his wider Galilean ministry.
"And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him." — Jesus enters Peter's home and sees his mother-in-law "laid" sick, a word that suggests she was completely prostrated by her illness. This wasn't just a mild discomfort; the original language implies…
