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Commentary on Mark 1 verses 29–39
In these verses, we have,
I. A particular account of one miracle that Christ wrought, in the cure of Peter's wife's mother, who was ill of a fever. This passage we had before, in Matthew. Observe,
1.When Christ had done that which spread his fame throughout all parts, he did not then sit still, as some think that they may lie in bed when their name is up. No, he continued to do good, for that was it he aimed at, and not his own honour. Nay, those who are in reputation, had need be busy and careful to keep it up.
2.When he came out of the synagogue, where he had taught and healed with a divine authority, yet he conversed familiarly with the poor fishermen that attended him, and did not think it below him. Let the same mind, the same lowly mind, be in us, that was in him.
3.He went into Peter's house, probably invited thither to such entertainment as a poor fisherman could give him, and he accepted of it. The apostles left all for Christ; so far as that what they had should not hinder them from him, yet not so, but that they might use it for him.
4.He cured his mother-in-law, who was sick. Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good, and will be sure to pay richly for his entertainment. Observe, How complete the cure was; when the fever left her, it did not, as usual, leave her weak, but the same hand that healed her, strengthened her, so that she was able to minister to them; the cure is in order to that, to fit for action, that we may minister to Christ, and to those that are his for his sake.
II. A general account of many cures he wrought - diseases healed, devils expelled. It was on the evening of the sabbath, when the sun did set, or was set; perhaps many scrupled bringing their sick to him, till the sabbath was over, but their weakness therein was no prejudice to them in applying to Christ. Though he proved it lawful to heal on the sabbath days, yet, if any stumbled at it, they were welcome at another time. Now observe,
1.How numerous the patients were; All the city was gathered at the door, as beggars for a dole. That one cure in the synagogue occasioned this crowding after him. Others speeding well with Christ should quicken us in our enquiries after him. Now the Sun of righteousness rises with healing under his wings; to him shall the gathering of the people be. Observe, How Christ was flocked after in a private house, as well as in the synagogue; wherever he is, there let his servants, his patients, be. And in the evening of the sabbath, when the public worship is over, we must continue our attendance upon Jesus Christ; he healed, as Paul preached, publicly, and from house to house.
2.How powerful the Physician was; he healed all that were brought to him, though ever so many. Nor was it some one particular disease, that Christ set up for the cure of, but he healed those that were sick of divers diseases, for his word was a panpharmacon - a salve for every sore. And that miracle particularly which he wrought in the synagogue, he repeated in the house at night; for he cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils to speak, for he made them know who he was, and that silenced them. Or, He suffered them not to say that they knew him (so it may be read); he would not permit any more of them to say, as they did (Mar 1:24), I know thee, who thou art.
III. His retirement to his private devotion (Mar 1:35); He prayed, prayed alone; to set us an example of secret prayer. Though as God he was prayed to, as man he prayed. Though he was glorifying God, and doing good, in his public work, yet he found time to be alone with his Father; and thus it became him to fulfil all righteousness. Now observe,
1.The time when Christ prayed. (1.) It was in the morning, the morning after the sabbath day. Note, When a sabbath day is over and past, we must not think that we may intermit our devotion till the next sabbath: no, though we go not to the synagogue, we must go to the throne of grace, every day in the week; and the morning after the sabbath particularly, that we may preserve the good impressions of the day. This morning was the morning of the first day of the week, which afterward he sanctified, and made remarkable, by another sort of rising early. (2.) It was early, a great while before day. When others were asleep in their beds, he was praying, as a genuine Son of David, who seeks God early, and directs his prayer in the morning; nay, and at midnight will rise to give thanks. It has been said, The morning is a friend to the Muses - Aurora Musis amica; and it is no less so to the Graces. When our spirits are most fresh and lively, then we should take time for devout exercises. He that is the first and best, ought to have the first and best.
2.The place where he prayed; He departed into a solitary place, either out of town, or some remote garden or out-building. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired, to set us an example to his own rule, When thou prayest enter into thy closet. Secret prayer must be made secretly. Those that have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must sometimes be alone with God; must retire into solitude, there to converse with God, and keep up communion with him.
IV. His return to his public work. The disciples thought they were up early, but found their Master was up before them, and they enquired which way he went, followed him to his solitary place, and there found him at prayer, Mar 1:36, Mar 1:37. They told him that he was much wanted, that there were a great many patients waiting for him; All men seek for thee. They were proud that their Master was become so popular already, and would have him appear in public, yet more in that place, because it was their own city; and we are apt to be partial to the places we know and are interested in. "No," saith Christ, "Capernaum must not have the monopoly of the Messiah's preaching and miracles. Let us go into the next towns, the villages that lie about here, that I may preach there also, and work miracles there, for therefore came I forth, not to be constantly resident in one place, but to go about doing good." Even the inhabitants of the villages in Israel shall rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, Jdg 5:11. Observe, Christ had still an eye to the end wherefore he came forth, and closely pursued that; nor will he be drawn by importunity, or the persuasions of his friends, to decline from that; for (Mar 1:39) he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and, to illustrate and confirm his doctrine, he cast out devils. Note, Christ's doctrine is Satan's destruction.
Moreover, Capernaum is mystically interpreted the town of consolation, and the sabbath as rest. The man with an evil spirit is healed by rest and consolation, that the place and time may agree with his healing. This man with an unclean spirit is the human race, in which uncleanness reigned from Adam to Moses; for they sinned without law, and perished without law. (v. Rom. 5:14. 2:12) And he, knowing the Holy One of God, is ordered to hold his peace, for they knowing God did not glorify him as God, but rather served the creature than the Creator. (1:21.25) The spirit tearing the man came out of him. When salvation is near, temptation is at hand also. Pharaoh, when about to leti Israel go, pursues Israel; the devil, when despised, rises up to create scandals.
For the fever means intemperance, from which, we the sons of the synagoguek, by the hand of discipline, and by the lifting up of our desires, are healed, and minister to the will of Him who heals us.
(v. Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc. c. 1:32) But the disciples, knowing that they were to receive a benefit by that means, without waiting for the evening prayed that Peter's mother should be healed. Wherefore there follows, who immediately tell him of her.
And immediately the fever left her, and she ministered to them. It is natural for those recovering from a fever to grow weary at the onset of health and to feel the discomfort of the illness. However, the health conferred by the command of the Lord returns wholly at once. Not only does it return, but it is also accompanied by such strength that she immediately is able to minister to those who helped her, and, according to the laws of typology, those members that had served impurity unto iniquity to bear fruit unto death, now serve righteousness unto eternal life.
(in Marc. i. 7) First, it was right that the serpent's tongue should be shut up, that it might not spread any more venom; then that the woman, who was first seduced, should be healed from the fever of carnal concupiscence. Wherefore it is said, And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, &c.
(ubi sup.) But in the Gospel of Luke it is written, that they besought him for her. (Luke 4:38.) For the Saviour sometimes after being asked, sometimes of His own accord, heals the sick, showing that He always assents to the prayers of the faithful, when they pray also against bad passions, and some times gives them to understand things which they do not understand at all, or else, when they pray unto Him dutifully, forgives their want of understanding; as the Psalmist begs of God, Cleanse me, O Lord, from my secret faults. (Ps. 19:12) Wherefore He heals her at their request; for there follows, And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up.
(in Marc. i. 6, 8) But in that He gives most profusely His gifts of healing and doctrine on the sabbath day, He teaches, that He is not under the Law, but above the Law, and does not choose the Jewish sabbath, but the true sabbath, and our rest is pleasing to the Lord, if, in order to attend to the health of our souls, we abstain from slavish work, that is, from all unlawful things. It goes on, and immediately the fever left her, &c. The health which is conferred at the command of the Lord, returns at once entire, accompanied with such strength, that she is able to minister to those, of whose help she had before stood in need. Again, if we suppose that the man delivered from the devil means, in the moral way of interpretation, the soul purged from unclean thoughts, fitly does the woman cured of a fever by the command of God mean the flesh, restrained from the heat of its concupiscence by the precepts of continence.
He retired then as the custom was on the sabbath-day about evening to eat in His disciples' house. But she who ought to have ministered was prevented by a fever. Wherefore it goes on, But Simon's wife's mother was lying sick of a fever.
By this it is signified, that God will heal a sick man, if he ministers to the Saints, through love to Christ.
But he has a fever who is angry, and in the unruliness of his anger stretches forth his hands to do hurt; but if reason restrains his hands, he will arise, and so serve reason.
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SUMMARY
Mark 1:31 vividly portrays Jesus' profound compassion, authoritative power over illness, and the immediate, transformative impact of His divine touch. This concise account details Jesus' personal intervention in the private home of Simon and Andrew, where He heals Peter's mother-in-law from a severe fever, leading to her instant and grateful resumption of service. The verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' early ministry, demonstrating His holistic care for individuals and the Kingdom-oriented response of those who encounter His grace.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Mark's concise and action-oriented style is evident in this verse, employing Narrative Economy to convey a profound event with minimal words. The repeated use of "and" (Greek: kai) creates a sense of rapid progression, characteristic of Mark's Gospel, emphasizing the swiftness of Jesus' actions and their immediate consequences. The adverb Immediacy ("immediately," euthéōs) is central, not only highlighting the miraculous nature of the healing but also underscoring Jesus' decisive and authoritative power. There is a powerful Contrast presented: from prostration due to illness to active service, showcasing the complete transformation wrought by Jesus. The act of "lifting her up" (Greek: egeírō) carries a subtle Symbolism, echoing the language often used for resurrection, hinting at Jesus' life-giving power that extends beyond mere physical healing to ultimate spiritual restoration. Finally, the woman's immediate service acts as a Paradigm, illustrating the expected response of gratitude and dedication from those who have been touched by Christ's grace.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:31 profoundly illustrates Jesus' dual nature as both fully human and fully divine. His compassionate "coming" and "taking her by the hand" demonstrate His profound empathy and willingness to physically engage with human suffering, embodying the very nature of God's love. Simultaneously, the instantaneous departure of the fever at His touch unequivocally reveals His divine authority over creation, sickness, and the forces of decay. This miracle is not merely a display of power but a tangible sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, bringing healing, restoration, and life. The woman's immediate response of service, born out of gratitude, establishes a foundational principle of discipleship: those who have received grace are called to offer their renewed strength and lives in service to God and others, mirroring Christ's own self-giving ministry.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:31 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus' compassion extends to every facet of human need, even those seemingly mundane or private. He did not wait for a public spectacle but entered a humble home, demonstrating His intimate care for individuals. This should encourage us to bring all our needs, great and small, before Him, trusting in His personal concern and power. Furthermore, the healed woman's immediate response of service provides a profound model for Christian living. Her gratitude was not passive but active, compelling her to use her restored strength to bless others. When we experience God's grace, healing, or provision in our lives, our natural and Spirit-empowered response should be a desire to serve Him and our neighbors with our gifts, time, and resources. This verse challenges us to consider how our own encounters with Christ's transformative power lead us to practical acts of love and service, embodying the very heart of discipleship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the woman's immediate act of "ministering unto them" so significant in this passage?
Answer: The woman's immediate act of "ministering unto them" is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as irrefutable proof of her complete and instantaneous healing. A person recovering from a severe fever would typically require a period of rest and recuperation, but her immediate ability to resume household duties, likely preparing and serving food, demonstrates a full and miraculous restoration of strength and vitality. Secondly, it highlights the spontaneous and grateful response of someone who has experienced Jesus' transformative power. Her service is not coerced or delayed, but flows naturally from her gratitude. Finally, it sets a powerful precedent for discipleship. It illustrates that those who are touched by Christ's grace are not merely passive recipients but are empowered and compelled to use their renewed lives in service to God and others. This aligns with Jesus' own mission, as He famously stated that He came not to be served but to serve, and calls His followers to do the same.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:31, while a simple narrative of physical healing, points profoundly to the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is revealed as the Great Physician, whose authority extends not only over physical ailments but ultimately over sin and death itself. His compassionate act of "lifting her up" (Greek: egeírō) foreshadows His ultimate victory over the grave, as He Himself would be "raised up" from death, bringing life and resurrection to all who believe, as seen in Romans 8:11. The instantaneous departure of the fever signifies His power to cleanse and purify, a power that finds its ultimate expression in His atoning work on the cross, where He takes away the "fever" of sin that afflicts humanity, making us whole and clean (compare Isaiah 53:5). Furthermore, the woman's immediate response of service, or "ministering" (Greek: diakonéō), beautifully prefigures the call to discipleship that Jesus extends to all who are healed by His grace. Just as He came to serve and give His life, so too are His followers called to a life of self-giving service, empowered by the very grace they have received. Her act of service, therefore, becomes a microcosm of the redeemed life, lived in grateful response to the One who made all things new, reflecting the very heart of Christ's mission to seek and save the lost.