City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

³⁸ And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. ³⁹ And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
⁴⁰ Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. ⁴¹ And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. –Luke 4:38-41 (ESV)

³⁶ So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!

–John 8:36 (TPT)

³ And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

–John 17:3 (ESV)

Aisha’s Analysis

In today’s verses we see the Lord’s favor displayed through a multitude of miracles. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus goes public with His message and proclaims the year of the Lord’s favor and the message of Jubilee–a once in fifty-year event, when captives were released, debts forgiven, and the land was given an opportunity to rest from producing crops. 

Jubilee represents what God does with us spiritually through Jesus: he has freed us from our slavery to sin, forgiven our sin debt, restored us to our original purpose, and given us an opportunity to rest from productivity as it relates to our identity and self-worth. 

What’s more, Jesus verifies His message with miracles. Jesus healed the sick of various diseases and delivered people who were oppressed by demons. I am so moved by Jesus’ compassion towards Simon (or Peter’s) mother-in-law who was battling a fever, which was probably life-threatening in those days. What is so encouraging about this miracle is the stark contrast between what her life was like before Jesus entered her world and after. 

Before Jesus came on the scene, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed, unable to enjoy a healthy life. After Jesus rebukes her fever, she immediately got up and began to serve Jesus and his company of disciples. Isn’t that mind-blowing how one moment with Jesus can radically transform your life?! 

This is the beauty of God’s message of hope and healing to the lost. God frees us to live out our purpose–to live free from sickness and demonic oppression–a life full of health and wholeness, a life in which we are empowered to serve Him. 

Application

What are you struggling with today, and how can apprenticeship to Jesus help you overcome that struggle? What do you think God wants you to be doing instead?

Just like with Peter’s mother-in-law, we have the opportunity to invite Jesus into our lives and experience the transformation and healing that flows from a life submitted to the King of kings and Lord of lords. No matter what you are facing today, be encouraged that there is no other name that is higher than the name of Jesus. If that does not feel real or true to you, invite Jesus into your world and watch with a heart full of expectancy to see what happens next. 

Prayer

Father, thank You for freeing me from a life burdened with sin. You have revived my soul. Because of Your amazing grace, I get to experience eternal life–a life of knowing You. Every day is Jubilee with You in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.