JESUS MADE A DIFFERENCE (1)

Victor M. Eskew

Jesus came into the world to make a difference.  In John 10:10, we have these words of the Christ:  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  The word “life” in the Greek text is “zoe.”  It involves a full, abundant, animated life.  Yes, Jesus came to be a difference-maker in this world.

During His earthly ministry, He made a difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals.  Sometimes His teachings made a difference.  At other times, His miracles made a difference.  Then, there were those occasions when His presence made a difference. Too, His reactions to situations made a difference.

In this article, let's watch Jesus make a difference in the lives of several individuals.  It was early in the ministry of Jesus.  He had just called Peter and others to follow Him.  He was invited into Peter's home and found a troubling situation.  “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever” (Matt. 8;14).  Luke's account refers to it as "a great fever" (Luke 4:38).  Those in the house besought the Lord on her behalf.

Jesus gave heed to their requests.  Matthew gives us this brief sentence regarding Jesus' response.  "And he touched her hand, and the fever left her..." (Matt. 8:15).  Immediately a difference was made in the life of this woman.  The high temperature, the sweating, the chills, the aches and pains completely left her body.  She was totally healed in an instant with just a touch of the Master's hand.  Matthew continues in verse 15 with these words:  "...and she arose, and ministered unto them."  All of her strength was restored.  She arose and began to take care of her guests.  

Did Jesus make a difference in the lives of others who were present that day?   How do you think Peter's wife felt to see her mother well?  Mothers are precious gifts in our lives.  When a mother is sick it is very troubling to a child.  When the sickness is severe like this one, fear also rises within the heart.  The child wants to do all he can do to help, but sometimes the help is not sufficient.  To see her mother healed must have been a huge burden lifted from her heart. 

How did Peter feel about his mother-in-law's recovery?  He, too, must have rejoiced to see her restored to health.  He would have been happy for both his mother-in-law and his wife.  Concern, fear, and anxiety were turned into joy and elation.  Jesus made a huge difference in the lives of this married couple.

The hospitality was also different.  Now two women could minister to Jesus and His disciples.  Too, Peter's wife would not have to have her attention divided between her mother and her guests.  Perhaps a bigger spread was prepared because of the happiness brought into that home.

There was also a difference made in the faith of Jesus' followers.  He was not just a man who made some bold claims. He was a man who backed those claims up with supernatural abilities.  These powers revealed that He was a man who had God with Him. His works would prove to them that He was truly the Son of God (See John 20:30-31).

Healing Peter's mother-in-law might seem like a small thing to some.  It was not to the mother-in-law.  It was not to Peter and his wife.  It was not to those present. It was not to God who chose to have the event recorded eternally in His holy Word.  Little actions can make a big difference in the lives of others.  Dear readers, don't forget to do the little things.  They just might change a life, many lives, or a situation.