“And He arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her; and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.” Luke 4:38-39
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Romans 12:13
There is encouragement for us in this story of Peter’s mother-in-law. It isn’t a very long record, but I see a shining testimony here, and so did the Lord. He had it recorded in the Bible as a continual witness to this woman’s faithfulness. It is recorded in three of the gospels: Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, and Luke 4:38-39.
Have you ever been ill enough that you went to bed, only to lie there thinking of all the things you could and should be doing? Peter’s mother-in-law may have as well. We see that after Jesus healed her and the fever was gone, she got up and immediately began serving those in the house.
What I see here is diligence, hospitality, and care for others. We are told a cup of cold water given in His name will be remembered. The smallest thing we do in His name and for Him will not be forgotten.