Luke 8
BSB1 Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, 2 as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means. 4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, He told them this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, where it was trampled, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the seedlings withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the seedlings. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it sprang up and produced a crop—a hundredfold.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 9 Then His disciples asked Him what this parable meant. 10 He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ’though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ 11 Now this is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 The seeds along the path are those who hear, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop. 16 No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. 18 Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." 19 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see You." 21 But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out." 22 One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out. 23 As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!" 26 Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs. 28 When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!" 29 For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places. 30 “What is your name?” Jesus asked. “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And the demons kept begging Jesus not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 There on the hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. So the demons begged Jesus to let them enter the pigs, and He gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside. 35 So the people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man whom the demons had left, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Meanwhile, those who had seen it reported how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to depart from them, because great fear had taken hold of them. So He got into the boat and started back. 38 The man whom the demons had left begged to go with Jesus. But He sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and describe how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and proclaimed all over the town how much Jesus had done for him. 40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. 41 Just then a synagogue leader named Jairus came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged Him to come to his house, 42 because his only daughter, who was about twelve, was dying. As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, 43 including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one was able to heal her. 44 She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. But they all denied it. “Master,” said Peter, “the people are crowding and pressing against You." 46 But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me." 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed. 48 “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace." 49 While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he told Jairus. “Do not bother the Teacher anymore." 50 But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." 51 When He entered the house, He did not allow anyone to go in with Him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her. But Jesus said, “Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep." 53 And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she got up. And He directed that she be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
Study Notes — Luke 8
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 8
- Themes from Luke 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke chapter 8 begins with Jesus ministering to various towns and villages, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. He is accompanied by the twelve apostles and several women who were supporting Him out of their own means. Jesus then tells the parable of the sower, explaining the different responses to the word of God. He also performs miracles, such as calming a storm and casting out demons, demonstrating His authority over creation and the spiritual realm. The chapter concludes with Jesus raising a dead girl to life and healing a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years. Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, perseverance, and obedience to God's will.
Context for the Chapter
Luke chapter 8 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Luke. This chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the cost of discipleship and the importance of faith, and precedes His journey to Jerusalem and the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. In the broader biblical narrative, Luke chapter 8 is part of the story of God's redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ, and serves as a reminder of the power and authority of Jesus to transform and redeem our lives.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Luke chapter 8, we are reminded of the importance of faith, obedience, and discipleship in the Christian life. We are called to put Jesus' teachings into practice, to trust in His power and promises, and to follow Him wholeheartedly. May we be encouraged to deepen our faith, to obey God's will, and to live a life of compassion and service to others, just as Jesus modeled for us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke chapter 8 is about Jesus' ministry and message, focusing on His teachings, miracles, and the responses of those who encountered Him. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and discipleship, and demonstrates His power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the need to put Jesus' teachings into practice and to follow Him wholeheartedly, just as the disciples did.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of doctrines, but a living, breathing, pulsing thing, which ought to be felt in the heart and seen in the life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Christian life is not a life of ease and comfort, but a life of discipline and self-denial, as we seek to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus Ministers to the Crowds (Luke 8:1-3) — Jesus preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God to various towns and villages, accompanied by the twelve apostles and several women who support Him out of their own means.
- The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15) — Jesus tells the parable of the sower, explaining the different responses to the word of God and emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.
- Jesus Calms the Storm (Luke 8:22-25) — Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm.
- Jesus Casts Out Demons (Luke 8:26-39) — Jesus casts out demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes, demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm and the power of faith to overcome evil.
- Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Woman (Luke 8:40-56) — Jesus raises a dead girl to life and heals a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years, demonstrating His compassion and power to transform and redeem our lives.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Jesus
- Luke chapter 8 teaches that Jesus has authority over creation and the spiritual realm, as demonstrated by His miracles and teachings.
- The Importance of Faith
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the Christian life, as Jesus teaches that true discipleship requires trust in God's power and promises.
- The Power of Obedience
- Luke chapter 8 shows that obedience to God's will is crucial for living a life of faith and discipleship, as Jesus calls His followers to put His teachings into practice.
- The Compassion of Jesus
- This chapter highlights the compassion and concern of Jesus for those who are suffering, as He heals and redeems those who come to Him in faith.
Lessons from Luke 8
- The Importance of Faith — Luke chapter 8 teaches us that faith is essential for living a life of discipleship and following Jesus wholeheartedly.
- The Power of Obedience — This chapter shows that obedience to God's will is crucial for living a life of faith and discipleship, as Jesus calls His followers to put His teachings into practice.
- The Compassion of Jesus — Luke chapter 8 highlights the compassion and concern of Jesus for those who are suffering, as He heals and redeems those who come to Him in faith.
- The Authority of Jesus — This chapter teaches that Jesus has authority over creation and the spiritual realm, as demonstrated by His miracles and teachings.
- The Importance of Discipleship — Luke chapter 8 emphasizes the importance of discipleship and following Jesus wholeheartedly, as He calls His followers to put His teachings into practice and to live a life of faith and obedience.
Themes from Luke 8
- The Kingdom of God — Luke chapter 8 teaches us about the nature of God's kingdom and the characteristics of true followers of Jesus.
- Faith and Obedience — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life, as Jesus calls His followers to put His teachings into practice and to trust in God's power and promises.
- The Power and Authority of Jesus — Luke chapter 8 demonstrates the power and authority of Jesus over creation and the spiritual realm, as He performs miracles and teaches with authority.
- The Compassion of Jesus — This chapter highlights the compassion and concern of Jesus for those who are suffering, as He heals and redeems those who come to Him in faith.
- Discipleship and Following Jesus — Luke chapter 8 emphasizes the importance of discipleship and following Jesus wholeheartedly, as He calls His followers to put His teachings into practice and to live a life of faith and obedience.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' parable of the sower teach us about the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life?
- How does Jesus' miracle of calming the storm demonstrate His power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm?
- What does Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years teach us about the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity?
- How does Luke chapter 8 emphasize the importance of discipleship and following Jesus wholeheartedly?
- What does this chapter teach us about the nature of God's kingdom and the characteristics of true followers of Jesus?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus Ministers to the Crowds (Luke 8:1-3)
| Luke 8:1 | Jesus preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God to various towns and villages, accompanied by the twelve apostles and several women who support Him out of their own means. |
| Luke 8:2 | Some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases were supporting Jesus out of their own means, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. |
2. The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15)
| Luke 8:4 | A large crowd gathered around Jesus, and He told them the parable of the sower, explaining the different responses to the word of God. |
| Luke 8:5 | The seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear the word of God and retain it, producing a crop of thirty, sixty, or a hundred times more. |
3. Jesus Calms the Storm (Luke 8:22-25)
| Luke 8:22 | Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He told them to cross over to the other side of the lake. A fierce storm arose, but Jesus calmed it with a word. |
| Luke 8:23 | The disciples were amazed at Jesus' power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm. |
4. Jesus Casts Out Demons (Luke 8:26-39)
| Luke 8:26 | Jesus and His disciples arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, where Jesus cast out demons from a man and sent them into a herd of pigs. |
| Luke 8:27 | The man who had been possessed by demons was healed and sat at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind. |
5. Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Woman (Luke 8:40-56)
| Luke 8:40 | A synagogue leader named Jairus came to Jesus, begging Him to heal his daughter who was dying. Jesus went with Jairus to his home, where He raised the girl to life. |
| Luke 8:41 | A woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years touched Jesus' cloak and was healed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the parable of the sower in Luke 8?
The parable of the sower teaches us about the different responses to the word of God and the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires more than just intellectual assent, but a willingness to obey and follow Jesus wholeheartedly (Luke 8:4-15).
How does Jesus' miracle of calming the storm demonstrate His power and authority?
Jesus' miracle of calming the storm demonstrates His power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm, as He calms the storm with a word (Luke 8:22-25). This miracle serves as a reminder of Jesus' divinity and authority over all things.
What does Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder teach us about faith and perseverance?
Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder teaches us about the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. The woman's faith and determination to touch Jesus' cloak, despite the crowds and her own uncertainty, are rewarded with healing and redemption (Luke 8:40-56).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 8:4 → Matthew 13:1-23 | The parable of the sower is also found in Matthew 13:1-23, where Jesus explains the different responses to the word of God. |
| 2 | Luke 8:22 → Mark 4:35-41 | The miracle of Jesus calming the storm is also found in Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus demonstrates His power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm. |
| 3 | Luke 8:26 → Matthew 8:28-34 | The story of Jesus casting out demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes is also found in Matthew 8:28-34, where Jesus demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm. |
| 4 | Luke 8:40 → Mark 5:21-43 | The story of Jesus raising a dead girl to life and healing a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder is also found in Mark 5:21-43, where Jesus demonstrates His compassion and power to transform and redeem our lives. |
| 5 | Luke 8:1 → John 1:1 | The ministry of Jesus in Luke 8 is connected to the larger narrative of God's redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ, as taught in John 1:1. |
| 6 | Luke 8:21 → Hebrews 1:3 | The statement of Jesus that 'My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice' is connected to the theme of obedience and faith in Hebrews 1:3. |
| 7 | Luke 8:4 → Isaiah 55:10-11 | The parable of the sower is connected to the theme of God's word and its effects on humanity, as taught in Isaiah 55:10-11. |
| 8 | Luke 8:22 → Psalm 107:23-32 | The miracle of Jesus calming the storm is connected to the theme of God's power and authority over creation, as taught in Psalm 107:23-32. |
| 9 | Luke 8:26 → Leviticus 11:7-8 | The story of Jesus casting out demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes is connected to the theme of uncleanness and purification, as taught in Leviticus 11:7-8. |
| 10 | Luke 8:40 → 2 Kings 4:18-37 | The story of Jesus raising a dead girl to life is connected to the theme of God's power and authority over life and death, as taught in 2 Kings 4:18-37. |
Sermons on Luke 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How This Ministry of Healing Came Into Being by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not focusing on the circumstances or problems we face. He reminds the listeners that their faith i |
|
A Storm Arose, Christ Arose by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill preaches about the profound need for divine intervention in a world filled with spiritual deadness and despair. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our de |
|
(Awake! Series): Take Heed How Ye Hear by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the different types of hearers in the church. He mentions a faithless hearer who lacks faith and therefore does not benefit from t |
|
A Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding the word of God. He refers to the parable of the sower in Mark 4, where Jesus teaches the multit |
|
Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the concept of complete salvation and how many Christians may only experience an incomplete version of what God has provided. The |
|
|
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not lusting after evil things, drawing from the example of the Israelites in the Bible. He explains that their story serve |
|
Salvation by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and obeying the word of God, likening different responses to the message to different types of soil in the parable of the sow |
|
|
When the Boat Sinks by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a family who faced financial difficulties but refused to sue for help. The media became interested in their story, and i |
|
The Pigs in the Parking Lot by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of how we hear the word of God, stating that our future is determined by it. He urges the audience to remember the past when t |
|
|
The Gospel of Jesus Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of turning off Christian television and instead spending quality time with God by reading the Bible. They warn that in order t |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 8
In Luke chapter 8, we see the ministry and message of Jesus, as He preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God and performs miracles to demonstrate His power and authority. The parable of the sower teaches us about the different responses to the word of God, and the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life. Jesus' miracle of calming the storm demonstrates His power and authority over creation and the spiritual realm, and serves as a reminder of His divinity and authority over all things. The story of Jesus casting out demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes shows His authority over the spiritual realm, and the story of Jesus raising a dead girl to life and healing a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder demonstrates His compassion and power to transform and redeem our lives. Through these events, Jesus reveals the nature of God's kingdom and the characteristics of true followers, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and discipleship in the Christian life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Variety of Responses to Jesus
In Luke chapter 8, we see a range of responses to Jesus, from the enthusiasm of the crowds to the skepticism of the Pharisees. We also see the faith and devotion of Jesus' disciples, as well as the desperation and gratitude of those who are healed by Him.
The Importance of Faith and Obedience
Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life. He teaches that true discipleship requires more than just intellectual assent, but a willingness to obey and follow Him wholeheartedly.
The Power and Authority of Jesus
Luke chapter 8 showcases the power and authority of Jesus, as He calms storms, casts out demons, and raises the dead. These miracles demonstrate Jesus' divinity and authority over all things, and serve as a reminder of His ability to transform and redeem our lives.