Luke 8: Understanding the Reactions to Jesus' Ministry
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Luke 8 offers a powerful glimpse into the multifaceted reactions to Jesus' ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14—9:50). This chapter sits within a broader narrative where Luke alternates between showcasing Jesus' character and the expectations He has for His followers, alongside direct calls to discipleship. We see this pattern clearly: Luke 7 focuses on Jesus' compassion towards those marginalized by Jewish society, while Luke 8 reveals diverse responses to Jesus' revelation of Himself, largely through His miracles. This chapter serves as a pivotal point before Luke 9:18–50, where Jesus intensifies His focus on the Twelve, preparing them for their journey to Jerusalem and the events they will witness there.
Women Who Support Jesus (Luke 8:1-3)
Luke 8:1-3 introduces women who financially supported Jesus and His disciples, acting as a bridge between the themes of Luke 7 and 8. Like the centurion (Luke 7:1-10) and the "sinful woman" (Luke 7:36-38), these women, often outside the traditional circles of power, used their resources to honor God. Among them was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). This act of deliverance likely fueled her deep devotion to Jesus, mirroring the principle Jesus taught Simon the Pharisee: those forgiven much, love much (see Luke 7:47).
The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15)
The parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15) is a cornerstone of this chapter, presenting a foundational understanding of how people respond to the gospel message. The sower scatters seed, representing the Word of God (Luke 8:11), on different types of soil, symbolizing the hearts of those who hear the message.
The Path (Luke 8:5, 12): The seed falling on the path represents those with hardened hearts. Just as a path prevents the seed from penetrating the ground, a hardened heart prevents God's Word from taking root. The devil swiftly snatches away the word, preventing them from believing and being saved.
The Rocky Ground (Luke 8:6, 13): This soil represents those who initially receive the word with joy but lack deep roots. They believe for a while but fall away during times of testing. They lack the discipline of consistent engagement with God's Word and community. These are fair-weather believers, happy in good times but unable to endure hardship.
The Thorny Ground (Luke 8:7, 14): This ground represents those whose spiritual growth is choked by worldly worries, riches, and pleasures. These distractions hinder their ability to produce mature fruit. Even if difficulties don't hinder us, worldly distractions can choke our spiritual growth.
The Good Ground (Luke 8:8, 15): This represents those who hear the word with an honest and good heart, holding onto it and persevering to produce fruit. They embrace God's Word, confessing sin and seeking change. They are not just Sunday listeners but live in obedience to God's Word.
Jesus emphasizes that the success of the seed depends on the condition of the soil, not the seed itself (Luke 8:11). Our hearts must be receptive to the Word for spiritual change and growth to occur.
The Parable of the Lamp (Luke 8:16-18)
Jesus uses the parable of the lamp (Luke 8:16-18) to illustrate that the gospel is meant to be shared, not hidden. Just as a lamp is not lit to be placed under a jar, the truth of the gospel is not meant to be kept secret. Those who understand the Word of God should live in a way that reflects that knowledge. When we respond in faith to God’s truth, more truth will be given. The one who refuses to respond to the truth will be lost (Luke 8:18).
Jesus' True Family (Luke 8:19-21)
When Jesus' mother and brothers seek to see Him, He uses the opportunity to teach a profound lesson about spiritual kinship (Luke 8:19-21). He declares that His true family consists of those who hear the word of God and do it. This highlights that intimacy with Christ is tied to obedience to the word of God. Such intimacy transcends earthly family relationships.
Jesus Calms the Storm (Luke 8:22-25)
The calming of the storm (Luke 8:22-25) demonstrates Jesus' power over nature and tests the disciples' faith. Despite Jesus' assurance that they would reach the other side of the lake, the disciples panicked when a storm arose. Jesus rebukes the wind and waves, then questions the disciples' lack of faith. This episode illustrates that even when we are in the center of God’s will, trials may come. The storms of life need not paralyze us—if we keep God’s Word ever before us.
The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac (Luke 8:26-39)
The account of the Gerasene demoniac (Luke 8:26-39) showcases Jesus' power over demonic forces. The demon-possessed man, living a marginalized existence, is completely restored by Jesus. However, the townspeople, more concerned about the loss of their pigs than the man's deliverance, ask Jesus to leave. While the town rejects Jesus, the man who was healed desires to follow Him. Jesus instructs him to return home and share what God has done for him, commissioning him as a witness to those who rejected Jesus.
Healing the Woman with the Issue of Blood and Raising Jairus' Daughter (Luke 8:40-56)
The chapter concludes with two interconnected stories: the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:40-56).
The woman, who had suffered for twelve years and spent all her money on ineffective treatments, secretly touches Jesus' cloak and is instantly healed (Luke 8:43-48). Jesus acknowledges her faith and declares her healed.
While Jesus is still speaking to the woman, a messenger arrives with news that Jairus' daughter has died (Luke 8:49). Jesus encourages Jairus to continue believing, and upon arriving at the house, He takes the girl's hand and raises her from the dead (Luke 8:49-56). Jesus commands the mourners to stop weeping because the girl was only asleep (Luke 8:52). He instructs them to keep the miracle a secret, highlighting the timing of His public revelation as the Messiah.
These miracles demonstrate Jesus' compassion and power over both illness and death. They also emphasize the importance of faith in receiving God's blessings.
Luke 8 presents a powerful exploration of the diverse responses to Jesus' ministry. From financial support to faith-filled touch, from hardened hearts to transformed lives, the chapter reveals the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of responding with faith and obedience. This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider how we are receiving the seed of God's Word.
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Luke 8 offers a powerful glimpse into the multifaceted reactions to Jesus' ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14—9:50). This chapter sits within a broader narrative where Luke alternates between showcasing Jesus' character and the expectations He has for His followers, alongside direct calls to discipleship. We see this pattern clearly: Luke 7 focuses on Jesus' compassion towards those marginalized by Jewish society, while Luke 8 reveals diverse responses to Jesus' revelation of Himself, largely through His miracles. This chapter serves as a pivotal point before Luke 9:18–50, where Jesus intensifies His focus on the Twelve, preparing them for their journey to Jerusalem and the events they will witness there.
Women Who Support Jesus (Luke 8:1-3)
Luke 8:1-3 introduces women who financially supported Jesus and His disciples, acting as a bridge between the themes of Luke 7 and 8. Like the centurion (Luke 7:1-10) and the "sinful woman" (Luke 7:36-38), these women, often outside the traditional circles of power, used their resources to honor God. Among them was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). This act of deliverance likely fueled her deep devotion to Jesus, mirroring the principle Jesus taught Simon the Pharisee: those forgiven much, love much (see Luke 7:47).
The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15)
The parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15) is a cornerstone of this chapter, presenting a foundational understanding of how people respond to the gospel message. The sower scatters seed, representing the Word of God (Luke 8:11), on different types of soil, symbolizing the hearts of those who hear the message.
The Path (Luke 8:5, 12): The seed falling on the path represents those with hardened hearts. Just as a path prevents the seed from penetrating the ground, a hardened heart prevents God's Word from taking root. The devil swiftly snatches away the word, preventing them from believing and being saved.
The Rocky Ground (Luke 8:6, 13): This soil represents those who initially receive the word with joy but lack deep roots. They believe for a while but fall away during times of testing. They lack the discipline of consistent engagement with God's Word and community. These are fair-weather believers, happy in good times but unable to endure hardship.
The Thorny Ground (Luke 8:7, 14): This ground represents those whose spiritual growth is choked by worldly worries, riches, and pleasures. These distractions hinder their ability to produce mature fruit. Even if difficulties don't hinder us, worldly distractions can choke our spiritual growth.
The Good Ground (Luke 8:8, 15): This represents those who hear the word with an honest and good heart, holding onto it and persevering to produce fruit. They embrace God's Word, confessing sin and seeking change. They are not just Sunday listeners but live in obedience to God's Word.
Jesus emphasizes that the success of the seed depends on the condition of the soil, not the seed itself (Luke 8:11). Our hearts must be receptive to the Word for spiritual change and growth to occur.
The Parable of the Lamp (Luke 8:16-18)
Jesus uses the parable of the lamp (Luke 8:16-18) to illustrate that the gospel is meant to be shared, not hidden. Just as a lamp is not lit to be placed under a jar, the truth of the gospel is not meant to be kept secret. Those who understand the Word of God should live in a way that reflects that knowledge. When we respond in faith to God’s truth, more truth will be given. The one who refuses to respond to the truth will be lost (Luke 8:18).
Jesus' True Family (Luke 8:19-21)
When Jesus' mother and brothers seek to see Him, He uses the opportunity to teach a profound lesson about spiritual kinship (Luke 8:19-21). He declares that His true family consists of those who hear the word of God and do it. This highlights that intimacy with Christ is tied to obedience to the word of God. Such intimacy transcends earthly family relationships.
Jesus Calms the Storm (Luke 8:22-25)
The calming of the storm (Luke 8:22-25) demonstrates Jesus' power over nature and tests the disciples' faith. Despite Jesus' assurance that they would reach the other side of the lake, the disciples panicked when a storm arose. Jesus rebukes the wind and waves, then questions the disciples' lack of faith. This episode illustrates that even when we are in the center of God’s will, trials may come. The storms of life need not paralyze us—if we keep God’s Word ever before us.
The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac (Luke 8:26-39)
The account of the Gerasene demoniac (Luke 8:26-39) showcases Jesus' power over demonic forces. The demon-possessed man, living a marginalized existence, is completely restored by Jesus. However, the townspeople, more concerned about the loss of their pigs than the man's deliverance, ask Jesus to leave. While the town rejects Jesus, the man who was healed desires to follow Him. Jesus instructs him to return home and share what God has done for him, commissioning him as a witness to those who rejected Jesus.
Healing the Woman with the Issue of Blood and Raising Jairus' Daughter (Luke 8:40-56)
The chapter concludes with two interconnected stories: the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:40-56).
The woman, who had suffered for twelve years and spent all her money on ineffective treatments, secretly touches Jesus' cloak and is instantly healed (Luke 8:43-48). Jesus acknowledges her faith and declares her healed.
While Jesus is still speaking to the woman, a messenger arrives with news that Jairus' daughter has died (Luke 8:49). Jesus encourages Jairus to continue believing, and upon arriving at the house, He takes the girl's hand and raises her from the dead (Luke 8:49-56). Jesus commands the mourners to stop weeping because the girl was only asleep (Luke 8:52). He instructs them to keep the miracle a secret, highlighting the timing of His public revelation as the Messiah.
These miracles demonstrate Jesus' compassion and power over both illness and death. They also emphasize the importance of faith in receiving God's blessings.
Luke 8 presents a powerful exploration of the diverse responses to Jesus' ministry. From financial support to faith-filled touch, from hardened hearts to transformed lives, the chapter reveals the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of responding with faith and obedience. This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider how we are receiving the seed of God's Word.