In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus called his disciples, taught and cast out an unclean spirit. I’ve been arguing that the events Mark recounts in his gospel are compiled to form us as disciples of Christ. They are not a written version of a video of how events transpired. The gospel writer includes these events because they are important in both witness and formation.
Following their time at the local Capernaum synagogue the gospel groupies crash at Simon and Andrew’s house only to find Simon’s mother-in-law is in bed with a fever. No chicken soup for her. Instead she gets a hand. Jesus lifts her up, the fever leaves and she is better. We might think the story is over because she is made well. Isn’t that the goal when one is sick is to be healed? Here is another lesson in our formation. Christ Jesus heals us, cleanses us, saves us so that we can serve. He offers his hand so we can lend a hand. What appears to be a miracle by Jesus that benefits the mother-in-law is not meant to be individualistic or self-serving for her. She is made well so that she can make others well. Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we receive God’s grace so that we may serve others bearing witness to God’s good news.
What questions does this passage raise for you? Is it about the grace you have experienced in your life? Or your particular service to serve others that they may be made whole?
Nathan Busker 
Thanks, Doc.
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Not something we think about when we think of being healed. It’s not the end it’s the beginning of something else. We need to be reminded of that. We can use the blessing of healing to bless others.
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