By Andrew Williams
“When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.” – Matthew 8:14-15 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage gives us a glimpse into Peter’s personal life and his relationship with Jesus. After a long day of ministry, Jesus arrives at Peter’s house, only to find Peter’s mother-in-law bedridden with a fever. Without hesitation, Jesus intervenes. He touches her hand, and immediately the fever leaves her. The healing is instantaneous, and her response is just as remarkable—she gets up and begins to serve.
Peter plays an important role here, even though he is not the one healed. It’s his home, his family, and his willingness to welcome Jesus into his personal space that sets the stage for this miracle. Peter’s relationship with Jesus was not just about following Him publicly but also inviting Him into the intimate and personal areas of his life, including his family. This moment not only reveals Jesus’ compassion and power but also demonstrates the ripple effect of faith—when Jesus touches one life, the response often overflows into service and blessing for others.
Peter’s story reminds us that following Jesus isn’t just about public acts of faith—it’s about inviting Him into every corner of our lives, including our homes, families, and personal struggles. Peter’s willingness to allow Jesus into his home created an opportunity for healing and transformation. And when Jesus intervenes, as He did for Peter’s mother-in-law, the natural response is gratitude and service.
This passage empowers us to redirect our focus from keeping Jesus at arm’s length to fully welcoming Him into every part of our lives. Like Peter, we can trust Jesus to bring healing, restoration, and purpose not just to us but to those we care about. And like Peter’s mother-in-law, we are invited to respond to Jesus’ touch by serving Him and others with a grateful heart.
Think about your own life—are there areas where you’ve kept Jesus at a distance, perhaps in your family, your home, or your personal struggles? Today, invite Jesus into those spaces, just as Peter welcomed Him into his home. Pray for His healing touch over your life and the lives of those you love. Then, look for a way to serve Him in response. It could be through an act of kindness toward a family member, volunteering in your church, or simply offering hospitality to someone in need. Redirect your focus to how Jesus can use your home and your heart to bless others.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Peter, who welcomed You into his home and his family. I confess that there are times when I try to keep parts of my life separate from You. Today, I invite You into every corner of my life—my home, my family, and my struggles. I trust You to bring healing and restoration wherever it is needed. Help me to redirect my focus to serving You and others with gratitude, just as Peter’s mother-in-law did after You touched her life. Use me, Lord, to be a vessel of Your love and grace. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
