Open the Door

By Pastor Dan Hickling  

“Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.”—Mark 1:29–31 (NKJV)

As Mark continues to walk us through the early stages of Christ’s ministry, he brings us to something that most of us can relate to . . . a fever. We’re told that as Jesus enters the home of Simon (aka Peter) and Andrew with James and John, Simon/Peter’s mother in law was suffering from a fever.

In that culture, it was common for several generations to live under one roof, as was evidently the case here. This would have made Simon/Peter’s mother-in-law the resident matriarch of the home. And if you know anything about anything, you know it was undoubtedly in her heart to serve her guests, but the fever had taken her out of commission. Jesus is told, He heals her, and she promptly does what a mother-in-law does—she starts serving! 

There’s a poignant principle here as we see the response to serve the One who has healed us, but watch what happens next: “When the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons . . .” (Mark 1:32–34 NKJV).

Now imagine how Simon must have felt for a second. He’s been blessed because Christ came to his home and even healed a member of his family. What a friend he has in Jesus! But notice what also happened. A lot of other people showed up that he didn’t expect and probably wouldn’t have normally welcomed. Let’s face it, who really wants their home to become a destination for demoniacs and disease?

But when Jesus touches our lives, it often attracts those who are in need of a similar (or perhaps even greater) touch from Him. In which case, we need to be prepared and willing to welcome those who “knock on our door.” The Lord doesn’t want His work in our lives confined to our lives, but for it to become a basis by which others can be blessed by Him.

If Christ has touched you or your family, don’t shut the door on that. Be open and hospitable to let those in who are in need and seeking despite the figurative demons or disease they may be battling. Jesus was able to change you, and He’s able to change them.

PAUSE: What principle do we see in this passage? 

PRACTICE: Consider what ways you can open your “door” to those knocking. Perhaps it’s leading a study group or starting a prayer group.

PRAY: Lord, thank You for the gospel. Thank You for the message of healing and hope. I ask today for greater openness to those in need of His healing. Give me Your heart toward those who are hurting. Amen.