Matthew 8 in the New Testament focuses on three healings by Jesus. None involve surgery or advanced medical procedures involving robots. No high-powered medicines are prescribed. No vaccines or boosters are required. Only Jesus’ word and touch. For what He says happens. Whoever needs His touch receives healing help.

When I came to believe in Jesus, I became less lonely. Fewer feelings of inferiority, fearfulness, and self-consciousness. Fewer troubles are found when placed squarely in Jesus’ hands. His Words and touch lighten the load. He takes up residence within us. Comforts us with His gift of the Holy Spirit.

All better? On top of the world? Always happy as a clam? Like a child with a new toy? Kind of. As you can well imagine, I have a long ways to go. But the trend is my friend. Two steps forward follow one back. Being Jesus’ follower is a daily task, regardless of your age. Goofing off is not recommended.

One healing done by Jesus in Matthew 8 is of the Apostle Peter’s mother-in-law. Jesus and His disciples gather at Peter’s home only to find that his mother-in-law suffers from a raging fever, which puts her to bed. Being a busy person, she wants to do what’s needed around the house to make Jesus’ stay more pleasant. She likes to help. Lives to give. Not to be served but to serve. But she can’t now. Who knows what this fever will lead to? Could it be the end for her?

Not to fear. The Master is here. The light touch of Jesus drains away that nasty fever. Gone and good riddance. Now what? Her strength returns. She throws off the covers. Watch out. Get out of her way. She’s back in action! ‘He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve Him’ (Matt. 8:15).

Don’t imagine for one moment that Jesus heals her so that she can wait on Him hand and foot. Puts her back to work. Gets the most out of this old lady. Uses her for the drudgery she could perform.

No. For when you know Jesus, you can’t help but want to do your part. To follow His lead, getting behind Him. Serving the Lord is a natural overflow from our relationship with Him. The closer you get to Jesus, the more you want to please Him. To hear Him say, ‘…Well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matt. 25:21). Those would be the best words I could ever hear. But will I?

Jesus gave His all to have us near Him, forgiven and clean. As His children and heirs. Can you imagine?

Are we thankful enough to serve Him as best we can? Am I? Are you? After all, it’s only natural.

Thank you, Jesus, for being my Lord and Savior. Amen.