The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

— Mark 1:31

Though we don’t know much about Simon Peter’s life, we discover here that he was married (since he had a mother-in-law). We also learn that Peter’s call to follow Jesus touched the lives of his loved ones.

Jesus had begun teaching people about the kingdom of God, and he had also healed a man who was possessed by an impure spirit (or demon) that identified him as “the Holy One of God” (see Mark 1:21-28). News about him was beginning to travel fast.

After teaching in the local synagogue in Capernaum that day, Jesus and his disciples went to the home of Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew. There they found Peter’s mother-in-law in bed with a fever. Taking her hand and helping her up, Jesus cured her—and she soon began to serve the family’s guests.

This story shows us that while Jesus was certainly concerned with his mission of teaching about God’s kingdom and bringing relief by casting out spirits that opposed God, he also cared about the family members of his followers. This helps us see that Jesus loves and cares for the people we love too.

And Peter’s mother-in-law’s response reminds us that when we have met Jesus and know that he has made us whole, the right thing to do is to serve him in whatever ways we can.

We thank and praise you, Jesus, for your love for us and for our loved ones. Help us to extend your love to others who need you. Amen.