During a year of isolation, technology appeared on the forefront as our form of communication, information, outreach and even comfort. This year has proven how important interpersonal relationships are and the need for human touch and private conversation. Heartbreaking most of all are the situations where COVID patients lie in a hospital in grave condition without family or friends nearby. Thankfully, brave first responders hold their hands and offer prayers and reassurance to ease their fear and pain. Peek inside this personal encounter of Jesus with Peter’s ill mother-in-law and experience the power of human touch.
Enjoy this brief excerpt from Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children as well as my reflection and scripture reference.
Get Well
Simon Peter’s mom
is sick in bed.
Can’t move a muscle,
fever in her head.
Jesus is visiting,
meals to prepare.
Everything on hold
she really does care.
Jesus takes her hand,
pulls her to her feet.
A miracle occurs
she’s able to fix meat.
Singing in the kitchen
the disciples offer praise.
Mother is all better
all hands are raised.
Everyone is fed
there is joy all around.
A personal touch from Christ
is where his love is found
If you enjoyed this poem click on the books link within this website for easy access to purchasing Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children. God Bless You.
Reflection:
During a year of isolation, technology appeared on the forefront as our form of communication, information, outreach and even comfort. This year has proven how important interpersonal relationships are and the need for human touch and private conversation. Heartbreaking most of all are the situations where COVID patients lie in a hospital in grave condition without family or friends nearby. Thankfully, brave first responders hold their hands and offer prayers and reassurance to ease their fear and pain. Peek inside this personal encounter of Jesus with Peter’s ill mother-in-law and experience the power of human touch.
Jesus is at the home of Peter whose mother-in-law is sick with a high fever. Jesus helps her up and the fever is gone. She immediately begins to prepare and serve food to the guests. This is the fifth documented miracle in the gospel.
This is a short story, but the intimacy of the situation illustrates the compassion of Christ. Jesus stops everything to tend to Peter’s mother. While crowds wait outside the home, Jesus removes himself and cares for this mother.
He touches her hand to help her up from the bed. He does not call, “You are healed” from across the room. The touch indicates genuine love and concern. Her strength is immediately restored. She isn’t weak and feebly moving around the room. Her health is fully mended and in appreciation she serves him.
Jesus heals our mind, body, and spirit. Our response should be one of gratitude as we serve him with our gifts and love.
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.