Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

I have seen some in ministry serve everyone else except for those closest to them — like their disciples, their family, or their close friends. Some people like to be known at a distance and serve at a distance, so as to not be challenged to change too much or be susceptible to deeper pain from someone hurting them. But Jesus here clearly models that he cares about his disciples and will step out of his daily routine to care about their families.

As we see this miracle, it is important to recognize the action of God’s hand healing this high fever. It is also important to recognize the clear message to Simon here that his mother mattered to Jesus. Am I being intentional with my time with my family, or those I am mentoring in the faith? Will I serve them and interrupt my schedule for them? Will I exert energy in prayer for their needs?

Lord, thank you for modeling care for those close to you. Sometimes our ministry programs, objectives, and goals crowd out the work you want us to do to care for friends and family around us. Help me to see these needs and address them.
Thank you!