AN APOSTLES' MOTHER-IN LAW Mark 1:30 I. Introduction. A. Jesus set an example of being about His Father's business each day while upon the earth. B. On one Sabbath day: 1. Taught in the synagogue. 2. Cast out an unclean spirit. 3. Healed one with a fever. 4. Spent the evening healing the sick & casting out demons. 5. Early the next morning: Mark 1:35. C. The one sick with a fever was the mother-in-law of the apostle Peter: Mark 1:29. 1. It was his wife's mother. 2. Peter also had children: I Peter 5:1. 3. Those who elevate this apostle(Pope) ignore the scriptures: as they do on other matters. 4. This healing contains several lessons for all generations of Christians. D. Read Mark 1:30-31. II. Body. A. "Lay sick of a fever"(great: Luke). 1. Such conditions make one helpless and seem useless. 2. Note lay: unfit for activity. 3. Are there spiritual fevers? a. People who lay down and do nothing. b. "Christians" who seem helpless and useless. c. Note: Matthew 5:13. 4. Someone observed that churches are often "more like hospitals than campuses of armed and able-bodied men." B. "Straightway they tell him of her." 1. Did not hesitate to seek help from the Lord. a. Too many seek the Lord as a last alternative instead of a first refuge. b. It is right to pray for such to seek the Lord first. 2. Persistance is indicated: they had sought Christ all day: Mark 1:33. a. The next day: Mark 1:36-37. b. Seek him spiritually--as well. c. Galatians 6:9. 3. "They tell him": one cannot help unless we are informed of a need. C. "He came." 1. Immediate response by the Lord to a need(action). 2. Peter's mother-in-law needed help while she was so ill. 3. It is too late to ask "can I do anything" after the need has passed. 4. There are also recurring opportunities to help--to do good: II Thessalonians 3:13. 5. Even: Hebrews 12:3. D. "And took her by the hand." 1. Another action by the Lord. a. Can you envision being touched(literally) by the Lord? b. Did not always "touch" those he healed. 2. What Jesus did was appropriate for the situation. a. It is wise for Christians to weigh(think) before act-- b. Note: Matthew 10:16. 3. There are those who stand off and watch--waiting for something to happen. 4. The Lord wants participants, not spectators. E. "And raised her up." 1. Completing the action. a. Lifting her up! b. Nothing short of what was needed. c. The Lord does not act half-heartedly. d. Nor does he accept partial obedience today. e. Spiritual tasks require completion! 2. Wonder the reaction of those watching? 3. Observe these: Mark 2:12. 4. We should be impressed when people change at present. F. "The fever left her." 1. At that moment--she was healed. 2. The Lord took care of the problem. 3. Spiritually: men often treat the symptoms--ignore the real problem. 4. May blame the preacher, the community, the opposition, the lack of talent, the location, etc.--without searching for the root. 5. Remember: Jesus did what the others could not do. 6. We can do what others do(will) not do. 7. Many individuals(and churches) keep the fever and live in misery--even though the solution could be applied. G. "She ministered unto them." 1. Luke said "immediately"(4:39). 2. What could have been more appropriate? 3. This was true service: willing and diligent. 4. Jesus had ministered to her. a. In fact: Matthew 20:28. b. Yet--even angels: Matthew 4:11. 5. Paul often spoke of ministering. 6. The encouragement: II Corinthians 9:1. 7. Ministering: Fulfilling the role of a servant. III. Conclusion. A. As is true of all Bible examples: there are lessons to be learned. B. In this: see the power of Christ and the devotion of one whom the Lord helped.-jy