Jesus' healing ministry

Luke 4:38-41; Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-39

Luke 4:38-41 “After he left the synagogue, he entered Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. So he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and began to serve them. When the sun was setting, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to him. As he laid his hands on each one of them, he healed them. Also, demons were coming out of many, shouting and saying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.”

Matthew 8:14-17 “Jesus went into Peter’s house and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. So he touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and began to serve him. When evening came, they brought to him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases.”

Mark 1:29-39 “As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. Simon and his companions searched for him, and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.” He went into all of Galilee, preaching …”

Important notes

It has been established the people were amazed at Jesus’ authoritative teaching.

Jesus backs this up with several miracles.

It was the sabbath. Therefore, people would have waited until after sunset to carry the sick to Jesus.

Mark 3. A Day of Ministry in Capernaum (1:21–39)

A Day of Ministry in Capernaum (1:21–39)

This section introduces the reader/hearer to some of the major elements of Jesus’ ministry: preaching, teaching, exorcising demons, healing the sick, prayer, and instructing the disciples.

Mark (2) The Healing of Simon’s Mother-in-Law (1:29–31)

1:29–31 Here Mark set forth the shortest miracle story in the Gospels. As do most miracle stories, it indicates the setting, the nature of the disease, the request for healing, the healing itself, and the effect on the person healed; but it does not describe the symptoms, give any words of the healer, or describe the effect on the witnesses. Many traditional commentators think the story is a reminiscence of Peter. First Corinthians 9:5 also indicates that Peter (i.e., Cephas) was married and that he took his wife with him at church expense on his missionary journeys. Clement of Alexandria claimed that Peter’s wife preceded him in martyrdom. By indicating that Peter was married, Mark seems to have implied again that discipleship sometimes involves leaving one’s family for a while at least.

This is the only time in Matthew Jesus heals without a request.

The Mother in law could not approach Jesus. Luke adds “great” fever.

Matthew - Jesus touched her hand

Mark - Jesus took her hand

Luke - Jesus rebuked the fever

The fact she got up and waited on them speaks to the completeness of her healing.

Matthew differentiates between the ill and domoniacs.

Mark (3) The Healing of the Crowds at Sunset (1:32–34)

2–34 This Markan summary indicates that there were many other healings and exorcisms that are not described in detail. Both v. 32 and v. 34 distinguish between ordinary illnesses and demon possession—a further indication that primitive, unscientific understanding is not a sufficient explanation of the latter.

Jesus performed exorcisms with “a word.” This is very different from contemporary exorcists.

Jesus establishes his authority over disease and demons even to the testimony of demons declaring him as Lord.

“In order that” indicates purpose. Matthew saw divine purpose in what Jesus did, beyond the individual actions themselves.

Luke The Lukan Message

Jesus’ message in 4:18–19 is the announcement of the fulfillment of the messianic promises, i.e., of the coming of God’s kingdom. The manifestation of the realization of God’s kingdom is revealed in Jesus’ healings and especially in his mastery of the demons.