Greeting family and close friends is often accompanied by touch, whether it’s a hug, a strong handshake or fist bump, or my favorite, a grandchild running into my arms.

Today, I want to look at the story of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law.

The day begins with Jesus teaching on the Sabbath in Capernaum. The entire story is described in three short verses. “As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon [AKA Peter] and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them” (Mark 1:29-31).

Let’s dig into the details. At that time, the main Sabbath meal was served immediately after the synagogue service. The problem is Peter’s mother-in-law is lying in bed sick. The gospel writer, Luke, also a physician, says she was “suffering from a high fever” (Luke 4:38). Perhaps Peter’s wife had stayed home to care for her.

Next, Luke adds that they asked Jesus to help her. Note, this is what believers should do. We go to Jesus on behalf of those who are sick or in need and ask (or pray) for Him to heal and help.

I love Jesus’ response! He immediately takes action. The gospel writers describe the scene in various ways: Jesus went to her, He bent over her, touched her hand, took her hand, rebuked the fever, and helped her up. I imagine this as a very tender moment. It was personal.

Likewise, Jesus cares about us. He personally knows our needs and is able to tenderly touch our hearts, bodies, and minds to bring help and healing.

May we bring Him our needs today.