While in Matthew the whole initiative comes from the Lord without any activity by men, we see in Mark’s Gospel that the Lord together with Andrew, James, and John entered the house of Simon. And now the disciples approach the Lord with the issue of the sick mother-in-law. From Mark’s report we can gather some useful information:

Firstly, they “spoke to Jesus about her.” We do not read of anything they asked for—we find that in Luke—but they simply put the case before the Lord. It looks like what the sisters at Bethany did: “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (Jn. 11:3). We probably all know cases where we did not know what we should exactly pray for. But one thing we can always do is tell Him about it.

Secondly, we are told, “they immediately spoke to Jesus about her.” The little word translated “immediately” is typical for Mark in his Gospel. It generally describes the activity of the perfect Servant whom Mark focuses on. But in our passage, it is also used in other connections. Here it is pointed out that they told the situation to the Lord as soon as they could: when He entered the house. How often we try to solve our problems ourselves until we reach a “dead-end road.” Then we cry to Him when we are at our “wits’ end” (Ps. 107:27). How much better to go to Him immediately!

Thirdly, we read, “and she served them.” In Matthew’s Gospel she served Him, that is, the Lord Jesus. Here it says she served them, also including the disciples. Serving the Lord means in most if not all cases serving people. “So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10). Amen!