– Today’s Community Scripture – 1/21/2025 

He left the meeting place and went to Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was running a high fever and they asked him to do something for her. He stood over her, told the fever to leave—and it left. Before they knew it, she was up getting dinner for them. When the sun went down, everyone who had anyone sick with some ailment or other brought them to him. One by one he placed his hands on them and healed them. Demons left in droves, screaming, “Son of God! You’re the Son of God!” But he shut them up, refusing to let them speak because they knew too much, knew him to be the Messiah.

                             Luke 4:38–41 MSG

– Reflection:

               He Healed Them All

In this chapter of Luke, Jesus publicly engages in ministry—teaching in synagogues, healing those afflicted by unclean spirits, and speaking with authority. Here, we witness the glory of the Lord, reminding us that everything on Earth belongs to Him. God, as the creator of the universe’s order, can act unexpectedly within it. This is exemplified in the passage where Jesus is summoned to Simon’s mother-in-law’s bedside, who is suffering from a fever. Rather than taking her to the synagogue for healing, Jesus touches her in her own home, meeting her in her time of need. This demonstrates a personal God who approaches each of us. Jesus confronts the illness that ensnares her, and her reaction is noteworthy—she immediately rises and begins serving Jesus and the disciples. Her response to God’s goodness showcases her generosity and willingness to serve. How can we, too, reflect such a response when we experience God’s grace in our lives?

– Where do we go from here?

As the night wore on, caregivers brought everyone sick to Jesus. He laid his hands on them and healed them. Jesus’ willingness to touch those with diseases was significant; in that era, the sick were deemed “unclean.” By making contact, Jesus risked exposure to this uncleanliness. However, he did not retreat from these individuals; instead, he took their hands and spoke a final healing word over them. This passage demonstrates how God reaches the world with salvation, love, and hope.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you that you work within the very order you created to be close to us. Thank you for caring for both our bodies and our souls. Help us to recognize your love and healing within our own lives. May we respond with gratitude and generosity. Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach