Mark 1:29-31 Saved to Serve

First Things: Devotions in Mark’s Gospel

Mark 1:29-31 Saved to Serve

Mark 1:29   And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. ³⁰ Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. ³¹ And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.

Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew lived in the same house, it seems, along with Peter’s wife’s mother. Fishing buddies James and John came as well. It may be that they were frequent visitors. But the special guest was Jesus. He was the reason they were leaving their vocation, which would seriously affect the financial support of the household. In addition to this, all was not well at home. Peter’s mother-in-law was ill. It seems as though several were not able to fulfill their “normal” calling.

The text says Jesus “came” and “raised.” On the most common level, it means he showed up at her house (came) and took her hand and lifted her off the couch (raised). But at a larger level, Jesus’ “coming” involves his entrance into the world for the sake of people just like her, and his “raising” speaks of more than mere relief from a fever. “Raising” points one to the resurrection, and to the hope of eternal life, not only for Jesus, but also for all those who believe in Him.

So when Jesus “came” and “raised” her, yes, it certainly involved her healing, but also signifies that her life is changed at a deeper level as well. And a signal of that deeper change is a sign that should mark every believer in some way: we are saved to serve: “she waited on them.”

If we were not saved to serve, then Jesus might as well translate us to heaven immediately upon conversion. But He clearly does not. He leaves us here for a reason. Loving service. And this lady, and all believers, get right to it. So, let’s serve lovingly.