What Jesus Did! 'Tender Power' — Matthew 8:14-15

Saturday, April 5, 2025

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

Key Thought

This final episode in this series of miracle stories where we are told something about the individuals is told carefully and succinctly. Clearly Jesus has the power to heal, and Matthew shows us who he gladly heals in these stories. He heals an outcast and helpless leper with a word, he heals a powerful Gentile's servant from long distance, and he heals Peter's mother-in-law with a touch of her hand. The whole range of humanity is represented - a Jew, a Gentile, two men, and a woman. Jesus' power is displayed by word, faith, and touch. We get to see the desperation of a leper, the faith of a Roman officer, the need of a friend and disciple, and the illness of a mother-in-law. Matthew also lets us know what we are to do when we are touched by Jesus' healing touch; like Peter's mother-in-law, we serve the Lord!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear Father, for sending Jesus your Son to be my Savior. Because of his earthly ministry, I am confident that you love me and long for me to be whole. You have saved me from so many things; please accept my service to you as my thanks for all you have done for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Making God Touchable
Article by Phil Ware
Have you touched someone in the name of Jesus, lately? Phil Ware talks about making God touchable and how we share the touch of Jesus with others.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 8:14-15 NLT — 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.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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