Blessed: 5 Days With the Sermon on the MountSample

A Woman’s Healing and Calling

While it seems normal to our modern sensibilities that Jesus would enter Peter’s home to heal his mother in-law, His determined care for her was especially tender, if not uncustomary. Women did not hold a prominent place in society in ancient Judaism, something Jesus often made a point of confronting. He would continue to barrel through taboos to heal women, esteem them, and fold them into special places of His ministry. The arrival of His Kingdom meant a new day for women, one that’s still lighting the way.

Jesus deems this suffering woman as worthy of not only His healing touch but also His call. As soon as He touched her, she sat up and began to serve Him.The Greek word translated as “serve” here is a word the New Testament epistles often use to describe Christian discipleship. Some scholars suggest that this woman’s serving isn’t just about being able to resume activities, like getting the teakettle going or assembling the charcuterie board, but it may also describe the moment her discipleship to Christ began. A new day, indeed. In other words, more than serving guests in her household, it may be the case that she began serving the mission of Christ and His fledgling people.

Regardless of the possible interpretations, the definitive part of this woman’s story is that her healing did not result in her sitting up and then darting off to meaningless activities. She had good, Kingdom work to do. Sometimes I wonder if this is why Jesus touched her hand and not her fever-stricken forehead, because He knows a woman’s hands are uniquely scrappy and resourceful. What Kingdom things a sold-out woman for Jesus can get done with her hands!

With her restored health and seasoned abilities, she did what I hope you and I will do with the healing we’ve received from Jesus: serve Him and others with everything we have.

From what has Jesus healed you? It may be from a physical illness, but it could also be from an emotional or psychological ailment. Maybe He’s delivered you from a terrible relationship or pulled you out of a pit of your own making. Perhaps He rescued you during a time you couldn’t even call out to Him. Whatever He has done for you, are you serving Him and others out of your healing? What wonderful work He has for you to do. Will you put your heart and hands to His good use? He hasn’t just delivered you from things like sin, sickness, and brokenness, He has delivered you to Himself.

Thank you for joining us on this reading plan!

This reading plan was based on The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional Through the Teachings and Miracles of Jesus by Kelly Minter. Learn more about the book and order your copy here.