Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law.  Often we don't think about the disciples having family, but obviously Simon had a wife.  This is given importance in the gospel of Mark because we need to see where Jesus supports His disciples. 

Jesus takes care of His disciples' families.

This woman, and the demon possessed man before her, are the first in a series of healings that Jesus performs.  Verse 39 tells us that Jesus went about casting out demons throughout Galilee.

Mark is establishing Jesus' ultimate authority.

In verse 38, we see Jesus' mission statement:

Why did Jesus come to earth?  To Galilee?  To Capernaum?

Verse 38 tells us that Jesus came to preach.  Do you remember the sermon Jesus was preaching?  Mark 1:15 sums up His sermon.

Why is it important that Jesus told us His job was to preach?  What about healing?  Making disciples?  What was so important about a message of repentance?  How do we do today about getting that message out?

Are you daily reminding people that repentance is possible?