40-60 Lessons From a Sick Woman

Matthew 8:14-17

You may or may not realize it but mothers-in-law sort of get a bad rap today. There are plenty of mother-in-law jokes and maybe it is your experience that validates some of the things said about them. To be sure, some mothers-in-law (some call them monsters-in-law) do their very best to intrude on the lives of their married children…inserting their opinions and making their judgments and displeasure known. Of course, not all are like this. I’ve had a great relationship with my mother-in-law, she is a godly and virtuous woman who cares deeply and prays often about her children and grandchildren—but not in a way that would seem interfering.

There’s an old proverb that comes out of the culture/country of Armenia. “A mother-in-law should be blind in one eye and deaf in one ear.” Practice selective perception, ignoring faults and failures of your child-in-law so that you can maintain harmony and foster peaceful family relationships. I think it good counsel. Now, our culture is always going to have something negative to say but its good not to participate in those things…denigrating an important role that God often uses to bring glory to Himself.

There are 2 instances in the Bible where mothers-in-law are mentioned. The first is featured in the book of Ruth—Naomi, the wife of Elimelech and the mother-in-law to Ruth. The other is the unnamed mother-in-law of Peter in our passage today.

Now, there are 2 other accounts of this instance of healing—Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41 (synoptic gospels)—so we’ll see some of the other details that emerge from all 3 accounts. I would like to show you 3 specific lessons that we should learn from the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law as we encounter various difficulties in our lives. And when you’re in the midst of trials, where does strength come from when you’re at your worst? Ultimately, I hope you’ll realize the power of God that is at work in the Xn life—in your life.

Before getting to the lessons, let me set the stage this morning. Jesus has just finished preaching the SOM and He comes off the mount near the Sea of Galilee and enters the town of Capernaum. This commercial center was on the N shore of the Sea of Galilee, a very prosperous city. Jesus established the base of His earlier ministry here after He moved from Nazareth (possibly after the death of Joseph). Matthew 9:1 even calls it His own city.

The accounts in Mk & Lk both confirm that this particular healing is taking place on the Sabbath which happens after the gathering in the Synagogue. In fact, many healings are taking place on this particular Saturday. Jesus already healed the leper and the child of the centurion’s servant. Afterward, many are going to come to be healed and Jesus will heal them. So overall, this is a very busy day of ministry, and He is also spending time teaching in the Synagogue on this Sabbath day.

Just an interesting footnote, according to the Mishnah there were 39 categories of work/labor that were forbidden on the Sabbath (along with hundreds of subcategories):

The prohibited activities included basic tasks connected with preparing showbread (sowing, plowing, reaping, binding, threshing, winnowing, selecting, grinding, sifting, kneading, baking), work related to making the coverings in the Tabernacle and vestments (shearing, bleaching, carding, dyeing, spinning, stretching, making loops, threading, weaving, separating, tying, untying, sewing, tearing), activities concerned with writing and parchment preparation (trapping, slaughtering, flaying, treating skins, scraping, marking, cutting, writing, erasing), construction (building, demolishing), kindling (lighting, extinguishing), carrying between domains, and finishing touches to work begun before the Sabbath.

Jesus, on several occasions, will cut thru the hypocrisy of Judaism by purposefully healing (and casting out demons) on the Sabbath.

Luke 14:1–6 LSB

1 And it happened that when He went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching Him closely. 2 And behold, in front of Him was a man suffering from dropsy. 3 And Jesus answered and spoke to the scholars of the Law and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they were silent. And He took hold of him, healed him, and sent him away. 5 And He said to them, “Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?” 6 And they could make no reply to this.

So on this occasion, Mt tells us Jesus came into Peter’s home. This is where the healing is going to take place. There are few things we can glean about Peter’s domestic life from what the Bible describes. First of all, Peter had his own house (possibly a “joint-venture” with his brother Andrew—Mark 1:29 “29 And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.”). I mentioned last week how the ancient city of Capernaum lies in ruins. Michael Wilkins describes:

Matthew Healing the Marginalized (8:1–17)

Interestingly, in 1968 excavations were undertaken on a site that traditionally was said to be the actual home of Peter. Sifting down through the remains of centuries-old churches, excavators came to what was originally a house, built in approximately 63 B.C. All of the historical and archaeological evidence has led the majority of scholars to the conclusion that the site actually was the original home of Peter in Capernaum during Jesus’ ministry.12 The excavation of a nearby synagogue is consistent with Mark and Luke’s narratives, which imply that the synagogue was near Peter’s home. The lowest level of this latter excavation is a black basalt first-century synagogue, probably the synagogue in which Jesus preached, just a few steps from Peter’s home.

Peter’s home was modest and ordinary but as was the habit of early Xn pilgrims, when they found places that held a biblical importance they would turn it into a church—seems to be what happened with Peter’s home. Those excavation revealed writing on the walls that refer to Jesus as Lord and Christ.

We also learn that Peter was married (1 Cor 9:5)—for he had a mother-in-law (term denotes that specific relationship). It is likely that the father of Peter’s wife has already died and her mother came to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Tradition is really silent on their names but it informs us that Peter (who also had children) his wife joined him in ministry in the work of the gospel. According to Clement of Alexandria, Peter and his wife were martyred together, and as the account goes: Peter had the grim ordeal of seeing his wife suffer before he suffered himself. Clement writes:

The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 A Miracle in a Cottage (Matthew 8:14–15)

On seeing his wife led to death, Peter rejoiced on account of her call and her conveyance home, and called very encouragingly and comfortingly, addressing her by name, “Remember thou the Lord.”

This is so far removed from those who maintain Peter’s succession and forbid marriage for themselves and others (1 Tim 4:3). Also in Peter’s home (possibly Andrew—but I cannot tell) and James and John. These very much formed the inner circle of disciples who were closest to LJ during His earthly ministry (with Him on Mt. Transfiguration, raising daughter of Jairus, secluded place for times of prayer). Let’s pick up the narrative at this point and come to the 1st lesson that learn today…

1) The Lesson of Sickness

vs 14

Jesus comes into the house and He notices Peter’s mother-in-law sick with a fever. Luke tells us that she was suffering from a “high fever.” Now, we don’t have a clear idea of what illness she had. Barclay has this note:

The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 A Miracle in a Cottage (Matthew 8:14–15)

There were three kinds of fever which were common in Palestine. There was a fever which was called Malta fever, and which was marked by weakness, anaemia and wasting away, and which lasted for months, and often ended in a decline which finished in death. There was what was called intermittent fever, which may well have been very like typhoid fever. And above all there was malaria. In the regions where the Jordan River entered and left the Sea of Galilee, there was marshy ground; there the malarial mosquitoes bred and flourished, and both Capernaum and Tiberias were areas where malaria was very prevalent. It was often accompanied by jaundice and shivering, and was a most wretched and miserable experience for the sufferer from it. It was most likely malaria from which Peter’s wife’s mother was suffering.

The language in Lk’s gospel (“was suffering”) indicates that this was a chronic fever and Lk’s use of the word “great” reveals it was severe. This isn’t something that goes away with a little Tylenol. It is keeping her bedridden in agony and there is nothing that can be done from a medical point of view. But Jesus notices her and sees her agony.

Let me put forward a brief theology of sickness. What does the Bible teach us about sickness, illness, diseases and such? First of all, you need to understand that the foundational reason for sickness and disease traces back to man’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. God told Adam in the day he ate of the tree that was forbidden he would surely die. And from that day, the whole creation was brought under a curse that would multiply sorrows in life and this is passed on to every person—and b/c of it we are susceptible to sickness and diseases until our deaths. We are fallen creatures living in a fallen world that remains under the curse b/c of sin.

There is a 2nd reason for sickness—some sicknesses are the direct result of sin in an individual’s life. In 1 Corinthians Paul describes how the abuses of the Lord’s Table have brought some under the discipline of the Lord and the result is that some were sick and others have even died b/c they had partaken in an unworthy manner (possibly with unconfessed sin in their hearts). The instruction in James 5:14 points toward illnesses that are the result of personal sin. All sickness is the consequence of living in a fallen world, but not all illnesses are the result of personal sin.

A 3rd reason—sometimes God brings illness to prevent sin in a believer’s life. This was the case for Paul in 2 Cor 12—b/c of the magnitude of the revelation he had received from the Lord, Paul knew that he might become proud of that—but to keep pride from welling up in his life, the Lord allowed Satan to inflict Paul with a “thorn in the flesh” (that’s all we know about it). It was uncomfortable, discouraging and weakening for Paul and when he asked the Lord to remove it He said “no.” That illness was to prevent sin in Paul’s life.

A 4th reason closely connected is that sometimes, sickness is the result of demonic activity. In the gospels there are many times when demons inflict both mental and physical disorders: Mk 5:4-5; Lk 9:37-42

A 5th reason for sickness & disease is that it solely exists for the purpose of glorifying God. That was the case in what brought about the death of Lazarus: John 11:4 “4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.””

There is also the case in John 9…As Jesus was traveling down the road He saw a man who was blind from his birth. The disciples asked Jesus a question that showed they thought the same as the friends of Job. They believed this man’s blindness was due to somebody’s specific sin. They asked, “Who sinned? He or his parents that he was born blind?” How he could sin prior to birth is not made clear. But they believed that it was either his specific sin or his parents’ specific sin that caused his blindness. Job heard the same logic from his friends. They accused Job of some specific sin causing his illness. Jesus’ answer should bring great hope to believers in cases of such sickness. Jesus said neither of these answers was correct. The blind man did not sin and neither did his parents. Jesus responds:

John 9:3 LSB

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this was so that the works of God might be manifested in him.

The reason for the man’s blindness was so that God’s glory would be on display. And that’s exactly what happens. After controversy erupts because of this man’s testimony and later Jesus finds him again and asks him “do you believe in the Son of Man?” (Jn 9:35). He responds:

John 9:38 LSB

38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.

Charles Ryrie says:

Dr. Ryrie’s Articles A Lesson about Sickness

Difficult as it may be for us to understand, it is nevertheless true that there are times when the glory of God is best seen through the medium of sickness, suffering, and even death. Undoubtedly, one of the chief reasons why Christians cannot ascribe to God full sovereignty in the design and execution of His purpose is that we cannot understand the inclusion in His plan of things which to us seem out of place. But such things, including sickness, work for His glory (

In Romans, God reveals one of His purposes in allowing believers to go thru these times of sickness…

Romans 8:28–29 LSB

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers;

He intends to conform you into the image of His Son—JC.

So we come back to Peter’s mother-in-law and from all that has been revealed to us…what we know is that her sickness is for the purpose of God’s glory so that the works of Jesus would be manifest in her healing. So how can you best handle sickness that comes upon you (applies to minor things like colds, flu…but the majors—terminal diseases, cancers, other life-threatening illnesses)?

First step is maintaining the right attitude:

Ephesians 5:20 LSB

20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

1 Thessalonians 5:18 LSB

18 in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Robert Smith

The Journal of Pastoral Practice: Volume 8, Number 4, 1987 II. What Are the Biblical Reasons for Illness?

It may seem difficult to thank God for pain, misery and discomfort. But when something unpleasant is used to make us into something that is more profitable and satisfying, we can thank God for it. The goal rather than the difficulty must be seen.

Next, approach your illness with great humility…looking deeply into your heart to see if there is unconfessed sin that may result in your sickness. We should always be quick to examine our faith, examine our hearts and where there is sin—consider the promise and blessing of 1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Where sickness is present without direct personal sin, look to the answer God gave Paul when he prayed 3x for the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh. God said:

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 LSB

9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and hardships, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

2) The Lesson of Selflessness

Remember how busy the day has been for the Lord. He has already healed 2 people, He goes into the Synagogue and begins teaching. While He is there, a man who is demon-possessed cries out and Jesus rebukes the demon and commands that he come out of the man. The people are once again amazed at the Lord’s authority over unclean spirits. He then encounters Peter’s mother-in-law and heals her and then after the eat, multitudes come to the house to also be healed. A very busy day of ministry, with no down time. What is noteworthy about all of this is the selflessness of LJC. This is a lesson that was being taught to the disciples who were there that day. In fact, that is the essence of the Xn life—self-denial. Jesus will teach them later on:

Mark 10:45 LSB

45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Philippians 2:7 LSB

7 but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men.

Jesus could have demanded a little time for Himself, to rest and to be refreshed. But what He does instead is an important lesson about being selfless. He tirelessly served others and what a great lesson that is—a readiness and eagerness to serve others. According to Lk’s account, the request to intervene in Peter’s mother-in-law’s case was given only once. And Jesus responds right away. What a great lesson about the character of Jesus. He’s never too tired to help. He doesn’t view our requests as a nuisance…He is the same person in public as He is in private.

For this reason, Matthew is eager to point to the fulfilment of Isaiah 53 in the life and ministry of JC. Jesus bore the guilt and curse of sin (Gal 3:13; Is 53:1-4) and the result is that healing and victory over death are supplied in the atoning work of JC—but these will ultimately be realized in the very end—1 Corinthians 15:26 “26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.”

Jesus shows such a great compassion in His selfless ministry…compelling us to imitate Him in our dealings with one another. It is all too easy to see someone’s need as an inconvenience, but it never was for Jesus.

3) The Lesson of Service

Notice what Peter’s mother-in-law begins to do as soon as she is healed. in vs 15… Jesus touches her, and the fever left and she began waiting on them. Notice that she was healed instantly. She needed no recovery period. She didn’t need to rehydrate, she didn’t need to eat first, she didn’t need to let her body rest. That was the nature of Christ’s healings…they were Instantaneous, complete, permanent healing. And this dear woman’s response wasn’t “just give me a little time to catch my breath…” no she began waiting on them at that moment. That term waiting/serving is the term we get our word deacon from…she began deaconing toward them—serving. The word is a compound term that originally meant “to raise the dust by hastening.” Its the picture of a person who begins his activity earnestly and with haste—the dust begins to stir.

What motivated her service? Gratitude and love. Now, several commentaries point out the fact that this term when applied to those who served Jesus—it always describes women (aside from the angels who ministered to Jesus). Martha served Jesus as did the women who ministered to Him out of their possessions (Lk 8:3). Like Peter’s mother-in-law…preparing the meal to serve the Lord and the other men, she and other women had a very special place in the life of our Lord. Her ministry was meeting physical needs.

It raises an important question that is answered differently by different churches today…what can women do in service to the Lord? Are they relegated to domestic responsibilities? Do women have a place outside the home? Can they teach, preach—what about women becoming pastors?

Let me read something Spurgeon said (mind you—many years ago):

Dr. Ryrie’s Articles A Lesson about Service

“But notice that what this good woman did was very appropriate. Peter’s wife’s mother did not get out of bed and go down the street and deliver an address to an assembled multitude. Women are best when they are quiet. I share the apostle Paul’s feelings when he bade women be silent in the assembly. Yet there is work for holy women, and we read of Peter’s wife’s mother that she arose and ministered to Christ. She did what she could and what she should. She arose and ministered to Him. Some people can do nothing that they are allowed to do but waste their energies in lamenting that they are not called on to do other people’s work. Blessed are they who do what they should do. It is better to be a good housewife, or nurse, or domestic servant, than to be a powerless preacher or a graceless talker. She did not arise and prepare a lecture, nor preach a sermon, but she arose and prepared a supper, and that was what she was fitted to do. Was she not a housewife? As a housewife let her serve the Lord”

Now, you may or may not agree with that…but let me offer the Bible’s perspective about Xn women (in a nutshell).

Women, just like men are endowed with a spiritual gift(s) that are to be used in ministering to one another (for the building up of the body of Christ). There is an equality in this way b/t men and women, but God created women with gender distinctiveness—so they are equal yet different. In that distinctiveness that Bible puts up 2 guardrails as a protection to women and to the church that all believers do well to uphold:

1 Timothy 2:12–15 LSB

12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first formed, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into trespass. 15 But she will be saved through the bearing of children, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with self-restraint.

Can women teach—absolutely. We have women teaching other women. We have women using their gifts in the instruction of children.

Titus 2:4–5 LSB

4 so that they may instruct the young women in sensibility: to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be slandered.

Today, this seems antiquated, foreign to today’s culture, oppressive (all the things you hear from a world that is desperately mad). The Bible places these guardrails (not to have authority over men or teach men) to protect the woman against deception (since she is the target of the enemy—just like in the Garden) and to guard the church against error. But that doesn’t mean women have no other ministry than the home. Like the excellent wife of Prov 31—she serves tirelessly at home, and in her spare time, she engages in business to provide more for her family. I think that’s a great model for women today. Love your husbands, love your children and learn to serve your home and then use your gifts to serve Christ.

Lessons about sickness, selflessness and service flow out of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law—May God’s Spirit help us apply these things to our lives that we may bring honor and glory to JC.