Mark 1:29-39

Thoughts:       Mothers-in-law are often the objects of unkind jokes.  The plant called mother-in-law’s tongue has long leaves with vicious points, and “they” say you can’t kill it.
 
The disciple Peter had a mother-in-law, and Peter and his wife lived with her in Capernaum.  Peter had invited Jesus and the disciples to come for dinner.
 
With his customary economy of words, Mark does not say that Peter’s wife couldn’t cook, but he implies it.  Now a pretty hostess can be very delightful, but there were thirteen hungry men looking forward to a home-cooked meal, and Peter’s mother-in-law “lay sick of a fever.”
 
Miraculously, Jesus cured her, “and she ministered unto them.:  You can just picture the dear old soul scurrying out to the kitchen, tying on her apron and bringing the potatoes to a boil.
 
Discussion:      In what ways can we minister unto others?
 
Activity:          Choose a ministry – however small, however humble.  Send a thinking-of-you card.  Sweep snow off the church sidewalk.  Invite someone who lives alone to Sunday dinner.