New Testament
Matthew 8:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and began serving them.
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And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
What Matthew 8:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus demonstrates His power over illness by healing Peter's mother-in-law. When He touches her hand, the fever that had incapacitated her immediately leaves. This act of healing not only restores her health but also her ability to serve. The response of the woman is significant; she gets up and begins to serve Jesus and His disciples, showing her gratitude and willingness to help. This moment illustrates the compassion of Jesus and His authority over sickness. It also highlights the importance of service in the life of a believer, as she immediately returns to her role in the household after being healed. The act of serving is a natural response to receiving grace and healing, emphasizing that healing is not just for personal benefit but also for the purpose of serving others.
How to apply Matthew 8:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the healing and blessings we receive in our lives. Like Peter's mother-in-law, we should respond to God's grace by serving others. Whether through acts of kindness or support, our service can reflect our gratitude for what we have been given.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14–15)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Matthew 8:15
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:15 teach about Jesus' healing power?
Matthew 8:15 illustrates Jesus' authority over illness by showing how He heals Peter's mother-in-law with a simple touch. This act demonstrates that Jesus has the power to restore health instantly, highlighting His divine nature and compassion for those who suffer.
Why did Peter's mother-in-law start serving after being healed?
After being healed, Peter's mother-in-law immediately begins to serve Jesus and His disciples. This response signifies her gratitude for the healing she received and reflects a common biblical theme where healing leads to a desire to serve others, emphasizing that blessings should inspire acts of kindness.
What is the significance of service in the context of healing?
The act of serving after receiving healing, as shown in Matthew 8:15, emphasizes that healing is not just for personal benefit but also for the purpose of helping others. It encourages believers to respond to God's grace by actively contributing to the well-being of those around them.
How does this verse reflect the compassion of Jesus?
Matthew 8:15 reflects Jesus' compassion as He takes the initiative to heal Peter's mother-in-law, demonstrating His care for individuals in their suffering. His willingness to touch her and restore her health illustrates His deep empathy and desire to alleviate pain.
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