Luke 4:38-44 NRSVue

38After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 39Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.

40As the sun was setting, all those caring for any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 41Moreover, demons also came out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.,

42At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds began looking for him, and when they reached him they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” 44So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.,


Reflection on Luke 4:38-44

Inspiration from 2026-09-02 Daily Prayer

It’s fascinating how often individuals bring their sick, damaged friends to Jesus and act as intermediaries for them. They plead, not on their own behalf, but for others less forceful than themselves. Lord, we come to you with either our own or our friends’ sickness and ask you to lay your healing hands on us.

Further reflection

The people wanted to stay where they were and to keep Jesus with them. He saw his mission ahead, however, and spoke to them about how he must move on. Jesus doesn't want me to settle where I am but calls me to go with him, bringing good news.


Jesus went to a deserted place so that he might find time to be alone with God. Inspired by him I do the same, creating this moment of quiet so that I might meet with God. I make what was a habitual choice of Jesus a choice that I make too.