1 00:00:00,340 --> 00:00:03,000 Speaker 1: For who is greater, one who sits at the table 2 00:00:03,660 --> 00:00:07,240 Speaker 1: or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at 3 00:00:07,260 --> 00:00:11,039 Speaker 1: the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 4 00:00:12,140 --> 00:00:18,489 Speaker 1: Luke 22, 27 Dear Lord, Your life on earth was 5 00:00:18,550 --> 00:00:23,950 Speaker 1: the epitome of servanthood, putting others before Yourself, teaching us 6 00:00:24,010 --> 00:00:28,660 Speaker 1: the true measure of greatness. We pray for the grace 7 00:00:28,730 --> 00:00:32,050 Speaker 1: to embody this spirit of servanthood in our own lives. 8 00:00:34,470 --> 00:00:39,110 Speaker 1: May we embrace humility, seeing opportunities to serve others not 9 00:00:39,190 --> 00:00:45,250 Speaker 1: as burdens, but as blessings. Inspire us to follow your example, 10 00:00:46,409 --> 00:00:50,769 Speaker 1: to put aside our pride and self-interest, and to act 11 00:00:50,810 --> 00:00:55,740 Speaker 1: in love and service to those around us. Help us 12 00:00:55,780 --> 00:01:01,930 Speaker 1: to remember that in serving others, we serve you. Motivate 13 00:01:01,990 --> 00:01:06,130 Speaker 1: us to live lives marked by generosity, kindness, and a 14 00:01:06,190 --> 00:01:11,940 Speaker 1: willingness to uplift those in need. May our actions reflect 15 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:16,280 Speaker 1: your love and light into the world, drawing others closer 16 00:01:16,400 --> 00:01:20,690 Speaker 1: to you. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. 17 00:01:22,610 --> 00:01:22,870 Speaker 2: Amen. 18 00:01:24,410 --> 00:01:28,229 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Stories of miracles and 19 00:01:28,330 --> 00:01:32,949 Speaker 1: wonder inspired by the gospel. Remain here to hear the 20 00:01:33,010 --> 00:01:38,600 Speaker 1: gentle and heartwarming story of healing. If this podcast has 21 00:01:38,660 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 1: blessed you, leave a review and share how. We'd love 22 00:01:42,600 --> 00:01:49,160 Speaker 1: to hear from you. It had been two years since 23 00:01:49,240 --> 00:01:53,650 Speaker 1: Mirab lost her husband. her withered face wept as she 24 00:01:53,750 --> 00:01:59,260 Speaker 1: wept beside her daughter and son-in-law. They stood over the 25 00:01:59,300 --> 00:02:04,280 Speaker 1: burial mound, tears soaking the soft earth. It was the 26 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:09,240 Speaker 1: darkest day of Mirab's life, the day she realized that 27 00:02:09,940 --> 00:02:15,540 Speaker 1: her turn would soon come as well. She had accepted 28 00:02:15,590 --> 00:02:20,470 Speaker 1: it then, but not now. Now, more than ever, she 29 00:02:20,530 --> 00:02:24,470 Speaker 1: was needed, Her son-in-law had been chosen to follow a 30 00:02:24,550 --> 00:02:30,310 Speaker 1: rabbi of great reputation. Her daughter, Miriam, now alone most days, 31 00:02:30,950 --> 00:02:35,810 Speaker 1: needed her. Before, she would have welcomed death as an 32 00:02:35,889 --> 00:02:39,430 Speaker 1: opportunity to be with her husband again. But now she 33 00:02:39,510 --> 00:02:44,500 Speaker 1: fought it. She couldn't leave yet. She lay on the 34 00:02:44,540 --> 00:02:49,040 Speaker 1: cot of folded blankets and stared at the ceiling. Her 35 00:02:49,080 --> 00:02:51,760 Speaker 1: hair had tangled into a matted nest atop her head. 36 00:02:53,330 --> 00:02:59,109 Speaker 1: Her cheeks burned, her eyes watered. She probably looked like 37 00:02:59,150 --> 00:03:03,490 Speaker 1: something from a nightmare, but who cares? It was only 38 00:03:03,570 --> 00:03:08,900 Speaker 1: her and her daughter anyway. Always just her and her daughter. 39 00:03:10,820 --> 00:03:13,100 Speaker 1: Mirab coughed and looked up at Miriam. 40 00:03:15,860 --> 00:03:19,519 Speaker 2: Where is Simon? He is out with the rabbi, causing 41 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:24,190 Speaker 2: another ruckus at the synagogue, no doubt. Oh. I know 42 00:03:24,290 --> 00:03:25,090 Speaker 2: you're bitter. 43 00:03:25,210 --> 00:03:28,200 Speaker 1: Little dove. Merab stroked her daughter's cheek. 44 00:03:29,139 --> 00:03:30,680 Speaker 2: You do so much. 45 00:03:32,060 --> 00:03:32,980 Speaker 3: I am sorry. 46 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:34,679 Speaker 2: I am such a burden to you. 47 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:39,940 Speaker 3: The Bible tells us in Galatians 6 to carry one 48 00:03:39,980 --> 00:03:43,690 Speaker 3: another's burdens. But that doesn't always stop us from feeling 49 00:03:43,750 --> 00:03:47,370 Speaker 3: like we ourselves are burdens to others in times of need. 50 00:03:47,950 --> 00:03:51,220 Speaker 3: Sometimes our desire to be healed or find strength is 51 00:03:51,480 --> 00:03:55,240 Speaker 3: more than our own personal benefit. We don't want others 52 00:03:55,320 --> 00:03:59,280 Speaker 3: to be held back or burdened by our suffering. Welcome 53 00:03:59,340 --> 00:04:03,110 Speaker 3: to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the 54 00:04:03,150 --> 00:04:06,050 Speaker 3: depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth 55 00:04:06,410 --> 00:04:10,670 Speaker 3: through cinematic storytelling and honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host 56 00:04:10,710 --> 00:04:13,650 Speaker 3: from Pray.com, and I hope you've been enjoying learning about 57 00:04:13,690 --> 00:04:16,430 Speaker 3: the miracles of the Messiah so far. Make sure to 58 00:04:16,490 --> 00:04:19,150 Speaker 3: follow this podcast on your favorite platform to stay up 59 00:04:19,190 --> 00:04:21,750 Speaker 3: to date with episodes and help us spread the gospel 60 00:04:21,790 --> 00:04:24,790 Speaker 3: message to others. Because when the gospel message is given, 61 00:04:25,390 --> 00:04:29,610 Speaker 3: lives are transformed. Today's episode gives us a behind-the-scenes look 62 00:04:29,770 --> 00:04:32,490 Speaker 3: at an area of the disciples' lives we may not 63 00:04:32,670 --> 00:04:36,230 Speaker 3: often see. Though Jesus called his followers to leave everything 64 00:04:36,270 --> 00:04:39,770 Speaker 3: behind and abandon their old way of living, his intention 65 00:04:39,970 --> 00:04:42,620 Speaker 3: wasn't for them to abandon the people in their lives. 66 00:04:43,230 --> 00:04:45,169 Speaker 3: While often on the road with Jesus, many of the 67 00:04:45,230 --> 00:04:48,210 Speaker 3: disciples still had loving families awaiting them at home. One 68 00:04:48,230 --> 00:04:51,169 Speaker 3: of these disciples was Peter, who traveled with Jesus as 69 00:04:51,210 --> 00:04:53,950 Speaker 3: his wife and mother-in-law remained at his home in Capernaum. 70 00:04:54,589 --> 00:04:57,790 Speaker 3: We might not consider it frequently, but the disciples weren't 71 00:04:57,830 --> 00:05:01,390 Speaker 3: the only ones who made a major sacrifice to follow Jesus. 72 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:04,980 Speaker 3: Loved ones had to adapt to this new lifestyle of 73 00:05:05,060 --> 00:05:09,100 Speaker 3: sacrificing for the ministry of Jesus by letting their children, spouses, 74 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:12,979 Speaker 3: and friends depart from home for prolonged periods of time. 75 00:05:13,420 --> 00:05:15,980 Speaker 3: keeping them in their prayers and hoping for their safe return. 76 00:05:16,860 --> 00:05:18,660 Speaker 3: As we glimpse into the home of Peter on one 77 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:21,990 Speaker 3: of his visits, we'll be reminded of Jesus' love and 78 00:05:22,050 --> 00:05:25,640 Speaker 3: care for all of his followers and their families. 79 00:05:28,050 --> 00:05:31,409 Speaker 1: On days like this, when Merab was sick in bed, feverish, 80 00:05:32,330 --> 00:05:36,390 Speaker 1: it was easy to forget where she was, where and when. 81 00:05:38,170 --> 00:05:42,570 Speaker 1: Her dreams blurred her thoughts. and her eyes focused and 82 00:05:42,650 --> 00:05:47,190 Speaker 1: unfocused on the wooden beams above her head. Sometimes it 83 00:05:47,250 --> 00:05:50,479 Speaker 1: felt as though the ghost of her husband, alive in 84 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:54,420 Speaker 1: her memory, would be wandering the house somewhere, coming home 85 00:05:54,500 --> 00:05:58,500 Speaker 1: from a day of fishing. Her daughter sat beside her, 86 00:05:59,140 --> 00:06:01,659 Speaker 1: soaked a piece of cloth and plaited on her forehead, 87 00:06:02,839 --> 00:06:07,770 Speaker 1: trying to cool her fever, but it was useless. She 88 00:06:07,810 --> 00:06:10,690 Speaker 1: gripped her daughter's hand. I hate to be a burden 89 00:06:10,790 --> 00:06:14,170 Speaker 1: on you. Miriam kissed her hand and shook her head. 90 00:06:14,790 --> 00:06:18,450 Speaker 1: You aren't a burden, she said, wringing out the cloth. 91 00:06:19,190 --> 00:06:24,280 Speaker 2: You're exactly where you need to be, by my side. No, no, 92 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:29,380 Speaker 2: I am a burden. I'm a burden on you and Simon. Ah, 93 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:33,980 Speaker 2: just rest, Emma. The fever will have to let up sometime. 94 00:06:34,680 --> 00:06:35,500 Speaker 2: It just has to. 95 00:06:36,110 --> 00:06:40,260 Speaker 1: Mirab's eyes rolled back under her eyelids. She was slipping 96 00:06:40,300 --> 00:06:44,870 Speaker 1: in and out of consciousness. Her insecure and meandering thoughts 97 00:06:45,290 --> 00:06:46,310 Speaker 1: released with a sigh. 98 00:06:47,070 --> 00:06:51,150 Speaker 2: I am a burden. I hate being a burden on you. 99 00:06:51,170 --> 00:06:52,810 Speaker 2: I should be. 100 00:06:53,690 --> 00:06:57,270 Speaker 1: Miriam half smiled. It had been a while since she 101 00:06:57,310 --> 00:07:01,130 Speaker 1: was well enough to do anything. Her mother simply had 102 00:07:01,250 --> 00:07:04,830 Speaker 1: one of those conditions where she always got sick, even 103 00:07:04,890 --> 00:07:09,210 Speaker 1: if she stayed inside all day. Her daughter propped her 104 00:07:09,290 --> 00:07:12,630 Speaker 1: arm up and rested her chin in her hand. Her 105 00:07:12,850 --> 00:07:14,550 Speaker 1: eyes went glossy and bright. 106 00:07:15,330 --> 00:07:18,100 Speaker 2: I like it here. I like being with you, sick 107 00:07:18,420 --> 00:07:18,780 Speaker 2: or not. 108 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:22,240 Speaker 1: She winked, leaning closer, and whispered. 109 00:07:22,260 --> 00:07:27,140 Speaker 2: It doesn't matter anyway. Simon is always gone. I am 110 00:07:27,180 --> 00:07:29,280 Speaker 2: the one who is in charge of this house, and 111 00:07:29,320 --> 00:07:32,400 Speaker 2: I say you are not a burden. Never, not ever. 112 00:07:33,310 --> 00:07:36,030 Speaker 2: You two would be better off if I were. 113 00:07:36,980 --> 00:07:38,860 Speaker 1: Her daughter swatted the air between them. 114 00:07:39,540 --> 00:07:41,160 Speaker 2: Would you listen to yourself? 115 00:07:41,680 --> 00:07:42,520 Speaker 1: She rolled her eyes. 116 00:07:43,800 --> 00:07:48,090 Speaker 2: Enough of that nonsense. Sleep. I'll bring some broth in soon. 117 00:07:48,610 --> 00:07:52,070 Speaker 1: She stood, kissed her mother on the forehead, and wandered 118 00:07:52,150 --> 00:07:55,550 Speaker 1: over to the kitchen. But her eyes watered over as 119 00:07:55,590 --> 00:08:00,340 Speaker 1: she walked. She punched down the rising dough, preparing the 120 00:08:00,360 --> 00:08:06,200 Speaker 1: week's bread. She punched another loaf, this time with more anger. 121 00:08:07,530 --> 00:08:11,810 Speaker 1: Her heart sank. For her mother to even say such things. 122 00:08:13,510 --> 00:08:17,070 Speaker 1: It was almost too much to think of. She smeared 123 00:08:17,150 --> 00:08:18,310 Speaker 1: moisture from her eyelids. 124 00:08:19,010 --> 00:08:22,690 Speaker 2: Simon could do something to help. He could easily, but 125 00:08:22,770 --> 00:08:26,770 Speaker 2: he isn't here. He's walking around with that new rabbi. 126 00:08:27,510 --> 00:08:31,240 Speaker 1: It was all about Jesus. Jesus needed him in Samaria, 127 00:08:31,520 --> 00:08:35,359 Speaker 1: so he went. Jesus needed him in Jerusalem, so he left. 128 00:08:36,780 --> 00:08:37,500 Speaker 2: I need him. 129 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:41,620 Speaker 1: She deflated and punched another loaf with more force than needed. 130 00:08:43,420 --> 00:08:46,220 Speaker 1: He should be here with her, not off making enemies 131 00:08:46,280 --> 00:08:51,490 Speaker 1: of the Pharisees with a random carpenter from Nazareth. Yet, 132 00:08:51,970 --> 00:08:56,810 Speaker 1: here she was, preparing dinner for them. And when was 133 00:08:56,850 --> 00:09:00,910 Speaker 1: the last time Simon did anything to contribute? She was 134 00:09:00,950 --> 00:09:04,170 Speaker 1: trading money in the market, cooking their meals, and doing 135 00:09:04,250 --> 00:09:10,449 Speaker 1: business with the other vendors. Could Jesus feed them? Could 136 00:09:10,530 --> 00:09:14,940 Speaker 1: either of them do anything? Deep down, Miriam knew her 137 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:20,360 Speaker 1: thoughts weren't fair, but her heartache needed an outlet. So 138 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:24,980 Speaker 1: she chose to be angry. Then someone knocked at the door. 139 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:28,490 Speaker 1: Her eyes went wide. They were early. 140 00:09:29,150 --> 00:09:30,110 Speaker 3: Oh, no, no, no. 141 00:09:30,830 --> 00:09:34,530 Speaker 1: Miriam straightened her garment and adjusted her head coverings. She 142 00:09:34,570 --> 00:09:37,050 Speaker 1: threw a blanket to her mother and quickly tidied up 143 00:09:37,090 --> 00:09:41,000 Speaker 1: the place. Spoons on the counter, food scraps still out. 144 00:09:41,820 --> 00:09:44,460 Speaker 1: She dusted the bread flour from her clothes and slapped 145 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:48,540 Speaker 1: the remaining dust from her hands. Miriam, Simon said, poking 146 00:09:48,580 --> 00:09:49,660 Speaker 1: his head in from the drawer. 147 00:09:50,360 --> 00:09:50,830 Speaker 3: We're coming in. 148 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:54,209 Speaker 2: Oh, for goodness sake, could he just wait one moment? 149 00:09:55,410 --> 00:09:56,069 Speaker 2: Just a minute. 150 00:09:56,870 --> 00:10:00,410 Speaker 1: Miriam's thoughts raced. She turned to face the door with 151 00:10:00,450 --> 00:10:03,750 Speaker 1: a pleasant smile, hands folded in front of her, and 152 00:10:03,830 --> 00:10:08,260 Speaker 1: it was as though nothing had ever happened. Simon ducked 153 00:10:08,300 --> 00:10:13,120 Speaker 1: into the kitchen, followed by several huge, uninvited men. She 154 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:17,700 Speaker 1: recognized them, of course. Andrew, her brother-in-law, James and John, 155 00:10:18,120 --> 00:10:21,400 Speaker 1: the sons of Zebedee, But then the last to enter 156 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:26,120 Speaker 1: was Jesus. Miriam had yet to meet the man of miracles. 157 00:10:27,140 --> 00:10:28,480 Speaker 1: She cleared her throat and. 158 00:10:28,400 --> 00:10:32,510 Speaker 2: Said, Please sit. Dinner will be ready soon. 159 00:10:33,690 --> 00:10:37,650 Speaker 1: Thank you, little dove, Simon said, briskly past her and 160 00:10:37,690 --> 00:10:42,610 Speaker 1: sat at the table. All the men clambered in like 161 00:10:42,650 --> 00:10:46,780 Speaker 1: a pack of bears. There was little bread in the 162 00:10:46,820 --> 00:10:49,470 Speaker 1: basket on the table. and they snatched it up and 163 00:10:49,510 --> 00:10:53,210 Speaker 1: devoured it in seconds. No one even bothered to ask 164 00:10:53,309 --> 00:10:56,880 Speaker 1: if she could feed them all. No one even glanced 165 00:10:56,910 --> 00:10:59,280 Speaker 1: at her mother, sick and lying on the other side 166 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:04,200 Speaker 1: of the room. No one except Jesus. He wandered closer 167 00:11:04,300 --> 00:11:08,559 Speaker 1: toward her, where her mother lay, eyes closed and feverish. 168 00:11:09,950 --> 00:11:14,630 Speaker 1: Jesus didn't say anything. He simply sat beside her, content 169 00:11:14,650 --> 00:11:18,980 Speaker 1: to watch the others chat and devour bread. Miriam's eyes 170 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:22,890 Speaker 1: were fixed on Jesus. What was he doing? May I? 171 00:11:23,260 --> 00:11:26,750 Speaker 1: he asked her, raising his hand slightly above Merab's forehead. 172 00:11:28,410 --> 00:11:32,569 Speaker 1: Miriam nodded nervously. On the other side of the room, 173 00:11:32,670 --> 00:11:37,770 Speaker 1: Simon stood, suddenly aware of it. Jesus felt Merab's fever, 174 00:11:38,470 --> 00:11:44,239 Speaker 1: then held her hand. Jesus murmured something. His words were 175 00:11:44,360 --> 00:11:45,380 Speaker 1: spoken with a smile. 176 00:11:45,400 --> 00:11:45,459 Speaker 3: No. 177 00:11:45,940 --> 00:11:48,880 Speaker 1: Like he was whispering something only he and Merab knew. 178 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:53,660 Speaker 1: Miriam saw a slight smile crack on the corner of 179 00:11:53,679 --> 00:11:58,590 Speaker 1: her mother's face. Jesus patted her hand like an old friend. 180 00:11:59,190 --> 00:12:04,929 Speaker 1: You are a strong woman, a pillar, not a burden. 181 00:12:05,650 --> 00:12:09,290 Speaker 1: Merab's eyes fluttered open as though waking from a pleasant dream. 182 00:12:11,320 --> 00:12:13,900 Speaker 1: She stared at the ceiling a moment and then took 183 00:12:13,940 --> 00:12:18,770 Speaker 1: a deep breath. sucking in air deep and full, and 184 00:12:18,790 --> 00:12:20,530 Speaker 1: she pulled the cloth from her forehead. 185 00:12:21,330 --> 00:12:23,970 Speaker 2: Oh, there is far too much to do around here 186 00:12:24,030 --> 00:12:25,250 Speaker 2: to be lying around. 187 00:12:26,870 --> 00:12:32,140 Speaker 1: Merab replied to Jesus with a wry grin. Right you are. Come, 188 00:12:32,760 --> 00:12:36,240 Speaker 1: let me help you up, slowly now. Jesus grabbed her 189 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:40,400 Speaker 1: arm and gently raised her to a seated position. Merab 190 00:12:40,460 --> 00:12:44,190 Speaker 1: rolled her neck and released a sigh of relief. Her 191 00:12:44,330 --> 00:12:48,469 Speaker 1: eyes closed for another moment, and a content grin beamed 192 00:12:48,570 --> 00:12:50,070 Speaker 1: from her now rosy cheeks. 193 00:12:50,830 --> 00:12:51,130 Speaker 2: Emma? 194 00:12:51,550 --> 00:12:55,090 Speaker 1: Miriam's voice cracked. She was overcome with wonder. 195 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:55,930 Speaker 3: Emma! 196 00:12:56,700 --> 00:12:59,820 Speaker 1: She rushed over to her side, kneeled down, and held her. 197 00:13:00,220 --> 00:13:02,220 Speaker 2: Are you all right? What happened? 198 00:13:02,900 --> 00:13:06,700 Speaker 1: Jesus stood and backed away, watching the two of them embrace. 199 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:10,800 Speaker 1: The men seated at the table looked in their direction, 200 00:13:11,440 --> 00:13:13,120 Speaker 1: only now aware of their presence. 201 00:13:13,790 --> 00:13:16,710 Speaker 2: I think I can stand, Merab. 202 00:13:16,370 --> 00:13:21,430 Speaker 1: Said, and slowly came to her feet. Simon shook his head, 203 00:13:21,929 --> 00:13:26,929 Speaker 1: looked embarrassed suddenly. I am so sorry. We all rushed 204 00:13:27,010 --> 00:13:29,540 Speaker 1: in here. I should have asked if you were feeling 205 00:13:29,700 --> 00:13:32,940 Speaker 1: up to it. But now, but now you are. 206 00:13:33,980 --> 00:13:37,780 Speaker 2: Feeling good enough to knead dough for our guests. Grab 207 00:13:37,800 --> 00:13:38,460 Speaker 2: me my apron. 208 00:13:39,200 --> 00:13:42,059 Speaker 1: Merab held both Jesus' cheeks in a way only a 209 00:13:42,100 --> 00:13:45,809 Speaker 1: mother could. She smiled and patted him on the shoulders. 210 00:13:46,650 --> 00:13:49,510 Speaker 2: Your cheeks are too thin, and I can tell it's 211 00:13:49,550 --> 00:13:51,609 Speaker 2: been a while since you've had a decent meal. 212 00:13:51,630 --> 00:13:53,900 Speaker 1: I've been on the road for quite a while. A 213 00:13:54,700 --> 00:13:56,700 Speaker 1: warm meal would be a welcome delight. 214 00:13:57,220 --> 00:14:00,380 Speaker 2: Now, where is the rosemary? I want to make my 215 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:01,959 Speaker 2: olive oil rosemary cake. 216 00:14:02,620 --> 00:14:04,980 Speaker 1: Miriam still wide-eyed and in tears. 217 00:14:05,480 --> 00:14:06,360 Speaker 2: I'll get it, Emma. 218 00:14:07,250 --> 00:14:07,610 Speaker 3: I can. 219 00:14:08,410 --> 00:14:11,510 Speaker 2: Nonsense! Tonight I will serve. 220 00:14:11,270 --> 00:14:14,170 Speaker 1: You She gave her daughter a meaningful look. 221 00:14:14,650 --> 00:14:17,150 Speaker 2: Go on, little dove, sit with the rest of them. 222 00:14:17,710 --> 00:14:21,890 Speaker 2: This is my time. This is what I've wanted. I've 223 00:14:21,950 --> 00:14:22,890 Speaker 2: waited for this. 224 00:14:23,730 --> 00:14:26,350 Speaker 1: They all sat around the table while Merab cooked up 225 00:14:26,390 --> 00:14:30,710 Speaker 1: a feast and buzzed around them. She set the table, 226 00:14:31,050 --> 00:14:34,350 Speaker 1: lit the candles, crushed the herbs, and baked the bread. 227 00:14:35,460 --> 00:14:39,340 Speaker 1: Her daughter could not believe her eyes. It was like 228 00:14:39,400 --> 00:14:43,560 Speaker 1: she had become a new woman. she watched her mother 229 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:48,730 Speaker 1: work in awe and sat beside her husband. And in 230 00:14:48,770 --> 00:14:52,030 Speaker 1: her mind, she felt sorry she had ever been bitter 231 00:14:52,150 --> 00:14:56,470 Speaker 1: toward him, the miracle worker Jesus, and to her husband 232 00:14:56,870 --> 00:15:00,740 Speaker 1: for spending so much time with him. Perhaps things were 233 00:15:00,780 --> 00:15:06,300 Speaker 1: better this way. Perhaps this man, this Jesus, was not 234 00:15:06,360 --> 00:15:10,540 Speaker 1: so bad after all. Maybe he was good. 235 00:15:13,290 --> 00:15:16,890 Speaker 3: The miracle of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law is addressed in 236 00:15:17,010 --> 00:15:19,260 Speaker 3: only a few verses in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, 237 00:15:19,300 --> 00:15:22,520 Speaker 3: and Luke. But despite the passage's brevity, there's a lot 238 00:15:22,560 --> 00:15:25,860 Speaker 3: to learn about Jesus' heart for his followers, including the 239 00:15:25,960 --> 00:15:28,420 Speaker 3: ones that didn't venture out with him on the roads 240 00:15:28,780 --> 00:15:31,950 Speaker 3: as he visited various cities to teach, heal, and perform miracles. 241 00:15:32,590 --> 00:15:34,810 Speaker 3: Each of the people in the story gives us a 242 00:15:34,850 --> 00:15:37,970 Speaker 3: different perspective on how we might feel as followers of 243 00:15:38,030 --> 00:15:41,090 Speaker 3: Jesus and shows us how Jesus wants to address each 244 00:15:41,210 --> 00:15:43,979 Speaker 3: one of us and our needs. First, the story reminds 245 00:15:44,060 --> 00:15:46,760 Speaker 3: us of what the disciples were leaving behind when they 246 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:50,160 Speaker 3: accepted the call to follow Jesus during his ministry. It's 247 00:15:50,330 --> 00:15:52,450 Speaker 3: easy to wish we could have the same stories to 248 00:15:52,510 --> 00:15:55,190 Speaker 3: tell that the disciples would have to share as we 249 00:15:55,270 --> 00:15:57,970 Speaker 3: read through their time with Jesus. But it's just as 250 00:15:58,110 --> 00:16:01,570 Speaker 3: easy to empathize with the disciples and their families who 251 00:16:01,590 --> 00:16:04,230 Speaker 3: had to say goodbye to each other and navigate life 252 00:16:04,330 --> 00:16:07,400 Speaker 3: under a new dynamic. As a husband, Peter had an 253 00:16:07,540 --> 00:16:10,660 Speaker 3: obligation to care for his wife, and he surely would. 254 00:16:11,190 --> 00:16:14,030 Speaker 3: But the call to follow Jesus was great and came 255 00:16:14,050 --> 00:16:16,990 Speaker 3: with a great sacrifice to match. He had to be 256 00:16:17,030 --> 00:16:19,790 Speaker 3: willing to give up time at home to spend with Jesus. 257 00:16:20,450 --> 00:16:23,500 Speaker 3: And we can be encouraged in his example, seeing that 258 00:16:23,560 --> 00:16:26,580 Speaker 3: time spent with Jesus is never wasted and always makes 259 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:31,100 Speaker 3: us stronger individuals, whether that's stronger spouses, parents, children, or friends. 260 00:16:31,580 --> 00:16:35,520 Speaker 3: Time with Jesus is never wasted. At the same time, 261 00:16:35,610 --> 00:16:39,160 Speaker 3: this sacrifice wasn't just Peter's to make. His wife had 262 00:16:39,180 --> 00:16:42,350 Speaker 3: to be willing to sacrifice time with her husband and 263 00:16:42,490 --> 00:16:45,430 Speaker 3: security he would have brought from having a steady income, 264 00:16:45,750 --> 00:16:48,229 Speaker 3: being home to protect the house, and available to help 265 00:16:48,530 --> 00:16:51,410 Speaker 3: with the everyday needs that arose. This would have been 266 00:16:51,510 --> 00:16:55,980 Speaker 3: an especially growing sacrifice as Jesus and his disciples' notoriety 267 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:59,760 Speaker 3: increased along with the persecution they faced, both from Rome 268 00:16:59,960 --> 00:17:03,760 Speaker 3: and the religious leaders. God is aware of the sacrifices 269 00:17:03,820 --> 00:17:06,590 Speaker 3: we make in order to follow him. Some of Jesus' 270 00:17:06,690 --> 00:17:10,649 Speaker 3: earliest teachings purposefully set the bar high and explain that 271 00:17:10,700 --> 00:17:13,659 Speaker 3: the metaphorical road of following him and pursuing the Father's 272 00:17:13,720 --> 00:17:17,620 Speaker 3: will is narrow. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells the parable 273 00:17:17,660 --> 00:17:20,300 Speaker 3: of the wedding banquet. In it, he describes a king 274 00:17:20,340 --> 00:17:23,160 Speaker 3: who's prepared a wedding banquet for his son and sent 275 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:25,720 Speaker 3: his servants out to gather the guests who had been invited, 276 00:17:26,260 --> 00:17:28,900 Speaker 3: but they refused to come. In response, the king sends 277 00:17:28,960 --> 00:17:31,330 Speaker 3: his servants out to gather anyone from the streets that 278 00:17:31,350 --> 00:17:33,030 Speaker 3: they can find who would be willing to come to 279 00:17:33,070 --> 00:17:35,660 Speaker 3: the feast. At the end of the parable, Jesus says 280 00:17:35,700 --> 00:17:39,119 Speaker 3: in Matthew 22, 14, For many are invited, but few 281 00:17:39,359 --> 00:17:42,859 Speaker 3: are chosen. In this context, Jesus is explaining that he 282 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:46,420 Speaker 3: invites anyone to follow him, but few will actually choose 283 00:17:46,500 --> 00:17:49,070 Speaker 3: to do so. Most often, this is because of the 284 00:17:49,180 --> 00:17:53,810 Speaker 3: sacrifice Jesus requires to follow him. Similarly, we see this 285 00:17:53,869 --> 00:17:56,649 Speaker 3: play out in Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler. 286 00:17:57,090 --> 00:17:58,869 Speaker 3: The man comes to ask Jesus what he must do 287 00:17:58,910 --> 00:18:02,050 Speaker 3: to inherit eternal life, explaining how he'd lived according to 288 00:18:02,070 --> 00:18:05,409 Speaker 3: the law since he was a young boy. We read Jesus' 289 00:18:05,470 --> 00:18:11,210 Speaker 3: response in Luke 18. When Jesus heard this, he said 290 00:18:11,590 --> 00:18:17,910 Speaker 3: to him, There should be nothing we're unwilling to give 291 00:18:17,990 --> 00:18:20,389 Speaker 3: up when Jesus calls us. One of the things that 292 00:18:20,410 --> 00:18:22,610 Speaker 3: should give us comfort and compel us to respond with 293 00:18:22,670 --> 00:18:26,540 Speaker 3: obedience is knowing that Jesus acknowledges and honors the sacrifices 294 00:18:26,580 --> 00:18:29,399 Speaker 3: we do make for him. He doesn't take away anything 295 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:32,479 Speaker 3: that we need, but instead calls us to sacrifice with 296 00:18:32,500 --> 00:18:35,460 Speaker 3: the intention of giving us something greater, teaching us more 297 00:18:35,500 --> 00:18:38,740 Speaker 3: about him and helping us grow as believers. If you're 298 00:18:38,770 --> 00:18:41,950 Speaker 3: struggling with the idea of the sacrifices Jesus has called 299 00:18:42,030 --> 00:18:44,450 Speaker 3: you to make or is currently calling you to make, 300 00:18:44,869 --> 00:18:47,030 Speaker 3: take some time to be with him in his word 301 00:18:47,090 --> 00:18:49,609 Speaker 3: and prayer and ask him what he's trying to show you. 302 00:18:50,230 --> 00:18:52,910 Speaker 3: Ask him for wisdom and peace, knowing that he will 303 00:18:52,970 --> 00:18:56,699 Speaker 3: give both willingly and gladly. And most importantly, trust that 304 00:18:56,720 --> 00:19:00,180 Speaker 3: your sacrifice will be used for a greater kingdom purpose. 305 00:19:01,080 --> 00:19:04,360 Speaker 3: Jesus knew quite well the sacrifice that Peter's wife was 306 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:07,550 Speaker 3: making in allowing Peter to walk away from his profession 307 00:19:07,990 --> 00:19:11,250 Speaker 3: to be with him for prolonged periods of time. Jesus 308 00:19:11,290 --> 00:19:13,430 Speaker 3: knew the added weight it would be on a wife 309 00:19:13,630 --> 00:19:16,050 Speaker 3: for her husband to be gone so often, and he 310 00:19:16,090 --> 00:19:19,390 Speaker 3: had compassion for her struggles by taking care of her 311 00:19:19,470 --> 00:19:22,750 Speaker 3: mother during her sickness at the time. And because she 312 00:19:22,790 --> 00:19:25,590 Speaker 3: was willing to make this sacrifice for him and his ministry, 313 00:19:26,010 --> 00:19:28,929 Speaker 3: Jesus was going to bless her with a miracle. He 314 00:19:28,950 --> 00:19:31,300 Speaker 3: was going to heal her mother to restore her spirits. 315 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:34,200 Speaker 3: The beauty of this miracle is that it wasn't only 316 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:37,960 Speaker 3: for Peter's mother-in-law, Merab. This miracle was going to be 317 00:19:38,080 --> 00:19:41,700 Speaker 3: a blessing used for multiple people. Now, what if we're 318 00:19:41,740 --> 00:19:45,669 Speaker 3: not in a place to make sacrifices like Merab was? Well, first, 319 00:19:45,750 --> 00:19:47,570 Speaker 3: we need to come to grips with the idea that 320 00:19:47,609 --> 00:19:50,100 Speaker 3: we won't always be in a position to be of 321 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:53,780 Speaker 3: much help to others. We're human, and we face weak moments. 322 00:19:54,280 --> 00:19:56,720 Speaker 3: We should be okay with the thought that sometimes we'll 323 00:19:56,740 --> 00:19:59,200 Speaker 3: be the one who needs help, and this isn't bad 324 00:19:59,320 --> 00:20:02,010 Speaker 3: or sinful. Nobody wants to be a burden, but the 325 00:20:02,050 --> 00:20:05,130 Speaker 3: people who love us know that sharing our burdens with 326 00:20:05,230 --> 00:20:08,560 Speaker 3: us is a privilege. Allowing others to step in during 327 00:20:08,619 --> 00:20:12,530 Speaker 3: our times of need requires vulnerability and humility. But at 328 00:20:12,570 --> 00:20:14,550 Speaker 3: the same time, it's a great time to grow in 329 00:20:14,670 --> 00:20:18,209 Speaker 3: gratitude for Jesus and his body, the church. Never be 330 00:20:18,250 --> 00:20:21,129 Speaker 3: ashamed of asking for help or showing moments of fragility. 331 00:20:21,690 --> 00:20:24,520 Speaker 3: God wants to restore us and give us strength. He 332 00:20:24,540 --> 00:20:26,800 Speaker 3: wants to lift us up so that we can continue 333 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:29,320 Speaker 3: to serve others in their time of need, fulfilling the 334 00:20:29,340 --> 00:20:33,060 Speaker 3: law of Christ, as the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6.2. 335 00:20:33,060 --> 00:20:35,590 Speaker 3: As believers, we're meant to reflect Jesus in our lives 336 00:20:35,670 --> 00:20:38,770 Speaker 3: and This can happen in a variety of ways. Remember 337 00:20:38,810 --> 00:20:42,250 Speaker 3: that Jesus served others, but he also allowed people to 338 00:20:42,310 --> 00:20:45,250 Speaker 3: serve him. He reclined at the table as others made 339 00:20:45,290 --> 00:20:48,419 Speaker 3: him meals. He allowed Mary to anoint his head and 340 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:52,120 Speaker 3: his feet. Jesus knew how to give and Jesus knew 341 00:20:52,180 --> 00:20:55,139 Speaker 3: how to receive. I remember speaking to a woman who 342 00:20:55,160 --> 00:20:57,899 Speaker 3: was in the throes of cancer. Now, this woman was 343 00:20:57,960 --> 00:21:00,530 Speaker 3: a force to be reckoned with. She was a pillar 344 00:21:00,550 --> 00:21:03,190 Speaker 3: of the church, always serving, always looking out for the 345 00:21:03,230 --> 00:21:06,780 Speaker 3: needs of others. Her house hosted many different church events 346 00:21:06,980 --> 00:21:10,639 Speaker 3: and many different ministries. She was a disciple maker, a mother, 347 00:21:11,010 --> 00:21:14,550 Speaker 3: a wife. But when she was down and unable to help, 348 00:21:15,010 --> 00:21:17,870 Speaker 3: she needed the help of others. This made her uncomfortable 349 00:21:18,390 --> 00:21:21,369 Speaker 3: and in some ways it made her flustered and angry. 350 00:21:22,090 --> 00:21:24,469 Speaker 3: I told her that this was an excellent opportunity for 351 00:21:24,609 --> 00:21:27,710 Speaker 3: others to exercise the same spiritual muscles that she had 352 00:21:27,760 --> 00:21:31,570 Speaker 3: allowed to be strengthened her whole life. Her unwillingness to 353 00:21:31,650 --> 00:21:35,419 Speaker 3: receive help from others robbed them of the opportunity to 354 00:21:35,460 --> 00:21:39,520 Speaker 3: bless her. It's surely more blessed to give than receive, 355 00:21:39,540 --> 00:21:42,139 Speaker 3: but that doesn't mean that receiving gifts from others is 356 00:21:42,220 --> 00:21:44,840 Speaker 3: ever a bad thing. As believers, we're meant to reflect 357 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:47,310 Speaker 3: Jesus in our lives. This can happen in a variety 358 00:21:47,350 --> 00:21:49,850 Speaker 3: of ways. How we speak, how we parent, how we 359 00:21:49,910 --> 00:21:52,969 Speaker 3: treat others, how we use our spiritual gifts, and how 360 00:21:53,010 --> 00:21:56,070 Speaker 3: we receive graciously the compliments. 361 00:21:55,750 --> 00:21:57,109 Speaker 1: And the goodwill of others. 362 00:21:57,830 --> 00:22:00,390 Speaker 3: But the foundation of reflecting Christ in all of these 363 00:22:00,430 --> 00:22:03,730 Speaker 3: different ways is having a servant's heart. If you've ever 364 00:22:03,830 --> 00:22:07,149 Speaker 3: dreamed of being used mightily for Christ, start by asking 365 00:22:07,190 --> 00:22:10,610 Speaker 3: yourself how you can serve the people around you. Consider 366 00:22:10,670 --> 00:22:13,230 Speaker 3: what you are passionate about, what God has gifted you in, 367 00:22:13,630 --> 00:22:16,600 Speaker 3: and what needs there are that you can uniquely meet. 368 00:22:17,170 --> 00:22:20,280 Speaker 3: When we focus on serving, we imitate Jesus in the 369 00:22:20,320 --> 00:22:24,280 Speaker 3: ministry model he set forth. In Mark 10.45, Jesus says this, 370 00:22:24,340 --> 00:22:26,540 Speaker 3: For the Son of Man did not come to be served, 371 00:22:26,880 --> 00:22:30,830 Speaker 3: but to serve. Merib understood that the miracle Jesus performed 372 00:22:30,990 --> 00:22:33,780 Speaker 3: for her went far beyond bringing her. She knew that 373 00:22:33,820 --> 00:22:36,980 Speaker 3: the freedom from her illness was an open invitation to 374 00:22:37,020 --> 00:22:40,159 Speaker 3: being a blessing for others and serving them. When Jesus 375 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:42,619 Speaker 3: works in our life, we should come with that same mentality. 376 00:22:43,290 --> 00:22:46,189 Speaker 3: As God heals us, transforms us, and empowers us, it's 377 00:22:46,290 --> 00:22:48,430 Speaker 3: all for the sake of serving him by serving others. 378 00:22:48,810 --> 00:22:51,929 Speaker 3: So pray big, ask for miracles, and seek Jesus' healing, 379 00:22:52,369 --> 00:22:54,570 Speaker 3: all for the sake of being used by him. When 380 00:22:54,609 --> 00:22:56,350 Speaker 3: we open up our hearts to be used by Jesus, 381 00:22:56,650 --> 00:22:59,290 Speaker 3: there's no doubt that he's going to do something miraculous. 382 00:22:59,770 --> 00:23:02,310 Speaker 3: Thanks again for listening. You know what to do. Download 383 00:23:02,330 --> 00:23:05,850 Speaker 3: the Pray.com app, leave a review, and make sure to subscribe. 384 00:23:06,250 --> 00:23:06,630 Speaker 1: God bless.