Jesus Heals and Helps Us – February 9, 2024

Read: Mark 1:29-39

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately 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. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Mark 1:30-32, 35-38

Jesus Heals and Helps Us

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sometimes when you’re sick, all you need is a good night’s rest; but sometimes when you’re sick, you’re stuck in bed, and it feels like you’ll never get better. Have you ever been sick like that?

The Bible tells us that Simon’s mother-in-law had a fever, and that was a big deal, because back in Jesus’ time, they didn’t have the same types of medicines we do today to help people who are sick. This wasn’t just about getting some rest in bed… she was so sick, she might die!

Jesus went to her and took her by the hand, and immediately the fever was gone! Can you imagine everyone’s reaction? But Jesus was not done. He stayed at the house, and when people heard what Jesus had done, they brought more and more people that were sick or that Satan was attacking with his demons, and Jesus saved them as well.

But then something really interesting happened. When Jesus’ disciples said, “Everyone is looking for you,” Jesus said, “Let’s go somewhere else so I can preach. That’s why I have come.” What? Don’t you think that with all those people looking for Jesus, he would want to stay? But he doesn’t. He could have stayed and healed people who were sick, but there was something more important for him to do. Jesus wanted to help people who were sick with sin and suffering from it.

When you’re hurt, even if it’s just a little sickness or a little pain, you might think that all you need is some medicine. And while medicine is a gift from God, there is something else you need even more: God’s promises. That’s because someday, no matter how much medicine we have, one of the horrible effects of sin is that people die. That’s why Jesus came to live with us on earth. He is the medicine for all of us who are sick with sin or scared at the thought of dying. He tells us, “Don’t be afraid! Believe in me! Even if you die, you will not stay dead but will come back to life and be with me forever.”

So the next time you’re sick, something is wrong with your life, or the thought of death makes you afraid, go to Jesus and remember, “He has the power to help and heal me! I will only be this way for a little while, but I will be with Jesus forever.”

Closing Prayer:

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyelids close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee. Amen. (Christian Worship 839:4)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Talk about the time you were really, really sick. Who took care of you?
• How did Jesus take care of sick people in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does God’s Word keep you healthy?
• A lot of people are afraid to talk about dying. Why is it so important to start talking about Jesus in that moment?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Simon’s mother-in-law was so sick that she could have died. Why doesn’t Jesus always heal people who are sick today?
• True or false: Jesus never promised that you would live to be ninety years old.