The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 6 Healing Peters

The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 6: Healing Peter’s Mother-in. Law Matthew 8: 14 -15; Mark 1: 29 -31; Luke 4: 3839

The City of Capernaum Located on the Northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was visited often by Jesus. (Matthew 4: 13; 11: 23)

Aerial view of Capernaum

Probable Site of Peter’s House “…as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew” – Mark 1: 29 Synagogue Peter’s House

Peter’s House? AT RIGHT: A view of the modern Franciscan church, with what may be the ruins of the house of Peter beneath. In the foreground are ruins of other houses. AT LEFT: Remains of what archaeologists believe to be Peter's house in Capernaum.

Reconstruction of the Floor Plan of Peter’s House Due to its location and early treatment as a pilgrimage site for Christians, a large octagonal Byzantine church was erected over the House of Peter in the 5 th century AD. Although scholars can’t be certain whether the ruins beneath are the actual house of Peter, scholars agree that the Byzantine structure is one of the earliest houses of worship yet discovered

The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law Matthew 8: 14 -15; Mark 1: 29 -31; Luke 4: 38 -39 Preliminary observations: p Jesus had compassion on those whose family members were suffering (John 4; Luke 7: 11 -17; 8: 41 -56) p Luke the physician (Col. 4: 14) notes that Peter’s mother-in-law was “taken with a great fever” (Luke 4: 38). n p The Greek word is pyresousan (πυρε σουσαν) which derived from the root πυ ρ, meaning fire. While Jesus worked many miracles publicly on this day (Mark 1: 32 -34), this one took place within the confines of a home.

The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law Matthew 8: 14 -15; Mark 1: 29 -31; Luke 4: 38 -39 Observations about the Miracle: p Luke’s account says that Jesus rebuked the fever n n p Jesus “took her by the hand lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her” n p The miracle was instantaneous! “And she arose and served them” n p He also rebuked a demon (Mark 1: 25) and the wind and the raging water (Luke 8: 24) The word of the Lord is powerful! The miracle was a complete healing After this miracle, many came to seek the Lord n The whole city was gathered together at the door (Mark 1: 32 -34)

The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law Matthew 8: 14 -15; Mark 1: 29 -31; Luke 4: 38 -39 False beliefs refuted by this account: p That Peter was the first pope. n n n p That faith healers work miracles today. n p Being married, Peter would not meet the celibacy requirements for Popes today (1 Corinthians 9: 5) Peter would not receive worship (Acts 10: 25 -26) Peter was not infallible (Galatians 2: 11 -14) The impromptu, instantaneous and complete nature of the healing stands in contrast to claims of modern miracle workers. That work in the home is degrading to a woman (1 Timothy 5: 14; Titus 2: 4 -5)

The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law Matthew 8: 14 -15; Mark 1: 29 -31; Luke 4: 38 -39 Lessons we can learn: p Jesus has compassion and mercy on human infirmities; He can make a difference! (Matthew 8: 16 -17; Philippians 2: 25 -27; Hebrews 4: 14 -16) p We should take our troubles to the Lord, and offer intercessions for others as well (Mark 1: 30; Luke 4: 38; Psalm 61: 1 -2; 1 Timothy 2: 1) p Those who have been blessed should serve -“She ministered to them. ” (Mark 1: 31) n An appropriate response to being blessed with physical and spiritual health is SERVICE! (2 Corinthians 8: 12; 9: 8)