Life as a Christian Woman

The third woman we will look at from the New Testament is not even named. We know her as simply “Peter’s [Simon's] wife’s mother.” In other words, Peter’s mother-in-law. Although she is not named, her brief story must be considered important because it appears in three of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. If one considers the story, it becomes significant not only because of the miracle of healing by Jesus, but because of her actions immediately following.

First, I should point out that Matthew uses the name Peter, while Mark and Luke refer to her as Simon’s wife’s mother. Remember that this is the same person and does not indicate a contradication in stories: “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.” (Matt. 4:18).

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law occurs early in Jesus’ ministry. He has entered Capernaum after coming down from the mountain where he taught His disciples. He has healed a leper and the centurion’s servant. He then enters Peter’s house.

“And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”

(Matt. 8:14, 15)

What is striking about this story is the reaction of Peter’s mother-in-law to her healing. She did not run out into the street shouting that she was healed. She did not scurry to the temple to show the priests that she was alive and walking. She did not join the ancient equivalent of Toastmasters and begin the rounds of speaking engagements.

Her immediate response was to serve Jesus. She went straight back to the source of her healing and dedicated her time directly to Him. I think sometimes we forget to do that. We throw ourselves at God’s feet in prayer when we need something. Then, when that prayer is answered, we tell everyone about it except the One who brought it about. We end up thanking God only in a round-about way when we tell others what He did for us.

Peter’s wife’s mother returned in quiet service to the Jesus that healed her. She must have eventually shared her experience, because it appears that by the time the Gospels are written, her salvation is a well-known story. But before all else, she went to the Lord in the greatest way we can honor Him — by serving Him. She gave Him the first fruits of her praise and thanksgiving.

Do you always remember to go to God first with your praise as well as your prayers? I can think of times when maybe I didn’t. We can learn the lesson from Peter’s mother-in-law that glorifying God is not always about shouting His name from the rooftops for all to hear. Sometimes, it is accomplished by simply giving Him the recognition first in service to Him.

Image source: ChristiansUnite.com

christian women, Biblical women, New Testament women, Peter, Simon, Peter Simon’s mother in law, unnamed women of the Bible