February 14: Matthew 8 14-17

Key Verse: Matthew 8 17
This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

Devotion:
Name some of the ways in which you have shown someone you care about them. If you are like me, you could probably name more times when you have done something wrong and upset people rather than done something right for them… But lets not dwell on the things we have done wrong but try and focus on things we have done or can do right.

We often make jokes about mother-in-laws in this country, but Jesus did the opposite and showed love toward Peter’s mother-in-law as well as to Peter by healing her with a simple touch. Nothing is too much or too hard for God to do – we often look at a fever as being a long time in bed and full rest to try and recuperate. Jesus touched her hand and the fever left her just like that! She responded by getting up and waiting on Jesus, returning some love.

But it was not about Jesus getting her well just so she could get the dinner ready! This was about making a difference in people’s lives. He continued on to heal many who were demon-possessed, driving out the spirits and healing the sick as well. Jesus wanted people to know God loved them and wanted them to be fit and well; something we often forget about in our lives because we take so much for granted without even thinking things through.

Jesus was not only fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah had said so many years ago, but was showing the people then how God can be depended upon. God has made many promises through the prophets and through Jesus – we need to know we can depend on those promises no matter what. Imagine having someone in your life who loved you that much and was willing to do anything for you – show someone you care today!

Points to Ponder:
How do you show people you care?

Who are you going to care for today?