The expulsion of the demon in last week’s Gospel reading demonstrates the power of Jesus’ word: his teaching drives out the demon of unbelief. On the other hand, the cure of Simon’s mother-in-law (vv 29-31) focuses on the compassion of Jesus. It was a Sabbath (v 21), and so people would not be able to journey very far until after sunset (see Acts 1:12 — about 3000 feet). The whole town heard about Jesus, and gathered in front of Simon’s home.

Imagine yourself a part of the crowd, and it is very easy to see why Jesus commanded the demons to silence (v 34, see also vv 44-45): his mission was to go about announcing the establishment of God’s kingdom, but you would prefer that he stay in your town and become the village doctor! Miracles loudly broadcasted often become ends in themselves rather than signs of something deeper. Thus Jesus counters the enthusiasm of his disciples at his success (v 37) with a rather stern and urgent declaration that they cannot stay in one place (vv 38-39).

Jesus’ prayer — a totally absorbing communication with his Father (v 35) — is seen to be the source of his power: as the enfleshed Word of God Jesus accomplishes his work. Note the connection between preaching and doing in v 39.

The book of Job is a long dramatic poem in which worldly wisdom struggles with the wisdom of God on the battlefield of suffering and deprivation. In this passage, Job reflects on his condition — and the entire human condition as well — in sad and hopeless terms. An awareness of the inevitable passing of time, in which good moments pass quickly, and labor and pain continue, opens the door either to empty despair or to deepened trust in God.

This psalm is the prayer of the Israelite nation upon return from exile. The same wisdom that made the universe now heals our wounds and restores our hearts. Response: "Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted."

Every treasure exacts its price. The cost of true discipleship of Christ is to proclaim the Gospel in word and in life in spite of the difficult and terrifying obstacles one encounters. An awareness of being freely gifted by God’s word cannot fail to lead to a compulsion to share this great gift with others (v 16). To refuse or neglect ministry of the Gospel means to lose it, for that involves a denial of what we are. Yet proclaiming the Gospel does not depend on human words or our own abilities. It demands only that we be fully what we are in Christ, and live accordingly wherever we are and whatever we do (v 22).

The original question of chapter 9 concerns Paul’s position and rights as an apostle. Apparently he did not demand certain rights or privileges that they expected of apostles, such as being supported by the community, and they thought less of him for it. Paul emphasizes that it is true freedom to be able to give up your claim to rights for a higher ideal.

1. What does it mean to imitate Jesus? What elements of his behavior as seen in the Gospel can you take as a pattern for your own life?

2. What can you say to someone who is facing great suffering and questions God? Put yourself in that person’s place. Would your answer satisfy you?