Luke 4:38 KJV

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.

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Luke 4:38 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Luke 4:38

Luke 4:38 (KJV): “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.”

Introduction

The narrative in Luke 4:38 initiates a series of miracles performed by Jesus, demonstrating His authority over illness and His compassion for human suffering. This moment is pivotal, as it underscores the transition of Jesus' ministry from teaching to healing and sets the stage for understanding His mission.

Contextual Background

Following Jesus' teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, where He astonished the listeners, He descends into the personal lives of His followers. This passage occurs shortly after His casting out an unclean spirit, establishing His authoritative ministry.

  • Importance of Capernaum: Capernaum serves as a focal point in Jesus’ ministry, being a city where numerous miracles occurred, reflecting its spiritual significance.
  • Simon Peter’s House: Peter, a central figure among the disciples, provides insight into the domestic aspect of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Analysis of Key Themes

Several themes emerge from this passage that resonate with the theological and pastoral implications:

  • Compassion: Jesus’ actions reflect deep compassion for those suffering. The urgency of the disciples’ request indicates their faith in Jesus' power to heal.
  • Intercession: The pleading of Simon Peter and the other disciples highlights the importance of intercession in prayer and community life.
  • Authority of Christ: This episode not only showcases Jesus’ divine authority over diseases but also His openness to engage with the personal lives of those around Him.

Commentary Insights

Insights from public domain commentators provide a more profound understanding of this passage:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Henry emphasizes the personal touch of Christ in His ministry, noting, "Christ came to take our pains and sorrows and to rescue us from the dominion of sickness." He perceives the fever as a representation of the greater spiritual sickness of sin, thus portraying Jesus as not merely a healer of physical ills, but also as the one who can deliver from spiritual despair.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Barnes provides significant insights into the cultural context of Simon’s house, remarking on the social implications of Jesus visiting a home. He writes, "This was a mark of favor, and their confidence in His ability to heal her shows their belief in His divine nature." The act of Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law illustrates His willingness to address personal suffering.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Clarke highlights the immediacy of the disciples’ request, suggesting it stems from their previous witnessing of Jesus’ power in the synagogue. He notes, "The nature of the fever is emphasized to illustrate the severe condition she was in, thus elevating the miracle's significance." Clarke's analysis points to the miraculous aspect, emphasizing that Jesus had the authority to restore health instantly and completely.

Theological Implications

This passage reflects critical theological truths:

  • Incarnation: Jesus’ physical presence in human life is an affirmation of the incarnation, illustrating His involvement in the world’s suffering.
  • Power of Prayer: The disciples’ intercession is a model for prayer, demonstrating the importance of bringing our concerns before Christ.
  • Holistic Salvation: The healing signifies Jesus' mission to restore not just physically but also spiritually, indicating a holistic approach to salvation.

Conclusion

Luke 4:38 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' authority and compassion. This moment not only reveals His ability to heal but exemplifies the importance of faith and intercession within the community of believers. The analysis from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke enrich our understanding, urging us to appreciate Jesus' ministry deeply. As pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, let us reflect on the nature of Christ depicted in this passage, seeking to embody His compassion in our own ministries and communities.