Luke 8

In Luke 8, Jesus continues His ministry with teachings, parables, miracles, and healings that reveal His authority over nature, illness, and even death. This chapter includes the well-known Parable of the Sower, explanations about faith and understanding, and dramatic accounts of His power in calming a storm, casting out demons, and restoring life.

Luke 8:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Jesus traveled from city to city, spreading the message of the kingdom of God and accompanied by His twelve disciples. Alongside them were several women whom He had healed of afflictions, like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. These women demonstrated their gratitude and commitment by supporting Jesus’ ministry financially, highlighting the significant role of women in the early movement and their devotion to Jesus’ mission.

Luke 8:4-8 (NKJV)
4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable:
5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.
6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.
7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.
8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes a sower scattering seeds, which fall on various types of soil, representing different responses to God’s word. Seeds falling on hard, rocky, or thorny soil fail to grow effectively, symbolizing hearts unprepared or distracted by life’s difficulties and temptations. But the seeds that land on good soil flourish, illustrating how a receptive heart can produce spiritual fruit. Jesus encourages listeners to consider their own receptivity to His teachings.

Luke 8:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?”
10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’”

Jesus explains to His disciples that parables reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to those open to understanding, while others remain unaware due to their lack of spiritual insight. Parables serve as a means of discerning true seekers from those indifferent to the message. This approach challenges listeners to seek deeper truth actively, relying on faith and willingness to understand.

Luke 8:11-15 (NKJV)
11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”

Jesus clarifies the parable, showing that the seed represents God’s word, and the various soils represent different responses to it. The seed on hard ground reflects those easily led away from belief. Rocky soil describes those who quickly embrace faith but lack endurance. Thorny soil signifies hearts choked by worldly distractions, while good soil represents those who receive and cultivate God’s word, resulting in mature faith and spiritual growth.

Luke 8:16-18 (NKJV)
16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.
17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”

Jesus emphasizes that truth, like light, is meant to be shared and not hidden. His followers are called to let their faith shine openly, impacting others. He warns listeners to be careful in how they receive His words, as those who are open to learning will receive more understanding, while those indifferent may lose even what little insight they possess.

Luke 8:19-21 (NKJV)
19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd.
20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.”
21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus redefines family in spiritual terms, explaining that true kinship is based on obedience to God’s word rather than biological ties. This statement highlights the priority of spiritual connection and loyalty to God’s mission, emphasizing that following Him creates a bond even closer than family.

Luke 8:22-25 (NKJV)
22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out.
23 But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.
24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.
25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

This passage shows Jesus’ authority over nature, as He calms a storm that threatens to overwhelm the disciples. His ability to control the elements leaves them in awe, questioning His true identity. Through this miracle, Jesus teaches them about faith in His power, even in seemingly impossible situations.

Luke 8:26-39 (NKJV)
26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.
27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.
28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!”
29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
30 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him.
31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them.
33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.
34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.
35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed.
37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying,
39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

In this account, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gadarenes. The man’s life had been consumed by torment, and he lived isolated in tombs. Jesus commands the demons to leave, allowing them to enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the lake and drown. The townspeople, witnessing this power, are afraid and ask Jesus to leave. However, the healed man, filled with gratitude, becomes a witness, sharing his testimony throughout the city, illustrating Jesus’ authority over evil and the transformative power of deliverance.

Luke 8:40-42 (NKJV)
40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.
41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house,
42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.

Upon returning, Jesus is met by a crowd, eager to see Him. Jairus, a synagogue ruler, approaches Him with deep desperation for his dying daughter. His willingness to seek Jesus in public reveals his faith and his trust in Jesus’ power to heal. The crowd’s eagerness highlights Jesus’ growing reputation, as many press in to witness His works.

Luke 8:43-48 (NKJV)
43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,
44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”
47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

In the midst of the crowd, a woman suffering from a twelve-year ailment reaches out in faith to touch Jesus’ garment. Her silent but hopeful act results in immediate healing, demonstrating her deep belief in His power. Jesus, sensing her faith, addresses her publicly, affirming her healing and emphasizing the role of faith in receiving His grace. This encounter reassures the woman and serves as a testament to others about faith’s power.

Luke 8:49-56 (NKJV)
49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”
51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl.
52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.”
53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.”
55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.
56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

As Jesus is still speaking, news arrives of Jairus’ daughter’s death, seemingly ending all hope. Yet Jesus encourages Jairus to maintain his faith. Inside the house, He dismisses the mourners, asserting that the girl is only “sleeping,” demonstrating His authority over life and death. With a simple command, He brings her back to life, leaving her parents astonished. This final miracle in the chapter illustrates that nothing is impossible for Jesus, underscoring His authority and the power of faith in Him.