Read the passage: The Message or The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
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The fact that Simon's mother-in-law is living in her daughter's home suggests she has no husband or sons to care for her. Her healing is accomplished with a gesture - a personal touch. The visible sign of her healing is that she is able to return to her customary role. (That is, don't read this as an ode to housewifery. Though, one might want to observe that she is the first example of a person serving Jesus.) This healing on the Sabbath happens in the privacy of Simon's home.
But after the Sabbath ends, after sundown, the whole village (not "city" as per the NRSV) comes. The sick are healed, demons are cast out, and those who are healthy give public witness - and increased public status and honour - to what Jesus does.
Note that once again, Jesus adamantly prevents the demons from speaking about him. (See my previous note for an explanation.)
The fact that Jesus prays raises distracting questions about who Jesus - as God - would be praying to? Personally, I don't believe Jesus was simply talking to himself. But rather this is a brief glimpse into the reality that even Jesus needed prayer; needed the quiet; needed set aside time to be in connection with God.
Interestingly, Jesus' followers then - as too often, now - are not praying - they are busy worrying about immediate needs.
Others (sorry I do not have the reference any longer) have pointed out that Verses 38 and 39 are an excellent snapshot of leadership. His followers have an immediate and worthy need that should be attended to. It is something they have already done - with great success - and could do again - also likely with great success. Very tempting. But it is not, "What I came out to do." Given the existing cultural norm of total loyalty to one's one kin and then village, this response by Jesus would have been experienced as a profound betrayal. This would have resulted in damaging gossip that would severely tarnish Jesus' reputation. His followers would have been shocked by this response. Imagine how those who were searching for Jesus would have felt?
The leadership snapshot here is:
- Staying with the mission;
- Not getting distracted by worthy, but not mission-related needs;
- Paying the price of disappointing some (and their subsequent gossip and criticisms) in order to serve your mission.
David Ewart,
www.davidewart.ca
