Luke 4:38

Luke 4:38, in plain English

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon Peter's house where Peter's mother-in-law was burning up with a severe fever. The family asked Jesus for help.

Why it's here

Jesus moves from a dramatic public miracle to a quiet, personal one — showing He cares about individual suffering just as much.

Who's speaking

Luke describes the scene at Simon Peter's home and the family's request.

Where it sits in the story

It's beautiful that Jesus didn't just perform miracles for crowds. He walked into a friend's home and met a family's need. Sometimes the most meaningful moments of God's power happen in the quiet, private places.

The scholarly reading

Luke the physician notes the severity of the fever as pyretos megas ("great/high fever"), a clinical distinction found in ancient medical literature. The appeal (erōtaō) to Jesus suggests an intercessory prayer model.

Language and setting

Moving from public synagogue ministry to a private domestic setting, Jesus demonstrates that His authority operates in every sphere of life.

Voice

Luke narrates the transition from the synagogue to Simon Peter's home and the household's appeal for healing.

Significance

This episode connects Jesus' public authority to personal, domestic need. Simon's mother-in-law represents the first of many who would be brought to Jesus through the intercession of others.

36All the people were overcome with amazement and asked one another, “What is this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

37And the news about Jesus spread throughout the surrounding region.

38After Jesus had left the synagogue, He went to the home of Simon, whose mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they appealed to Jesus on her behalf,

39and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them.

40At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases were brought to Jesus, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them.

Read all of Luke 4 — Jesus reads from Isaiah in his hometown synagogue and claims the prophecy is fulfilled in himself. The congregation tries to throw him off a cliff.