The Touch of a Hand

Posted by Karah

PAUSE

Reflect on ways God has been with you during difficult times. Thank Him for His faithful presence.

“So He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.” —Mark 1:31

Read Mark 1:29-31 in your Bible and think through these questions:

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus and His disciples went to Capernaum where Jesus was “at once” (v. 30) made aware that Peter’s mother-in-law had a fever. Being omniscient, Jesus likely already knew about her sickness but allowed His disciples to come to Him with their concern.

• What were the three actions Jesus took after the disciples brought Him their news (v. 31)?

Jesus could have spoken healing over Peter’s mother-in-law from where He was, but He chose to go to her, touch her, and help her get up.

• How does this healing show Jesus’ compassion and love for His people? Explain.

• What does this tell you about His character? His relationship with you?

RESPOND

Although Jesus knows what we need— He still wants us to come to Him—He wants relationship.

• We all have needs and pain. What are some things you’re struggling with right now? Talk honestly with God and ask Him to help you overcome your struggle.

• Think about a specific situation where you needed God’s help or healing and His response strengthened your relationship with Him. What happened? How did you respond? Journal your response.

• In your journal, list a few people you know who are going through a tough time or are enduring sickness. Pray over those people every time you see their names.

BEHIND THE STORY

In Mark 1:21-28, Jesus spent His day teaching in the synagogue. During that time, a man with an unclean spirit entered the synagogue; Jesus drove out the spirit with a verbal rebuke. The people recognized His authority when He commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. However, in today’s passage, Jesus used His touch to heal Peter’s mother-in-law.

THE POINT

Jesus didn’t just come to heal our pain—He walks through it with us. He wants us to come to Him with our needs.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from EC magazine. @ 2015 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, Weekly Devotions