Matthew 8:14-17 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Touch is a powerful gift from God. We send and receive messages and meaning through touch; therefore, it is a form of language. God made us to respond to his powerful touch, as well as to respond to the emotional and physical touch of loved ones. I tend to be a hugging person, but I realize and respect the fact that some people might not feel the same way. Sometimes just taking a person’s hand and praying for them is the perfect message that initiates healing.
During his first advent—when Christ came and took on human flesh—he touched people and they received all kinds of messages and healing miracles during his ministry. In our passage today, Jesus takes Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and instantly she is made well. If you need a touch from Jesus today, just ask him. Each week during prayer I ask Jesus to give me a hug. Touch speaks to my heart and gets me ready to reach out to touch the lives of others. Jesus is the Healer and he does that through touch. Let him touch you!
Matthew 8:14-17 Jesus Heals Many People
14 Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. 15 He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal.
16 That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. 17 So God’s promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said,
“He healed our diseases and made us well.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of touch. Please continue to touch my soul and leave me well. May I experience the power of your loving hug and touch every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.