Luke Chapter 8 Part 1

Matthew Davis

Luke Bible Study 2021 • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

Luke 8:1–30

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Verses 1-3 Christ ministers to Mary Magdalene

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, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.[1]

Verse 1

And it came to pass afterward – After the account Luke gave of the meal in Simon the Pharisees house.

He went – The verb “went”, (diodeuo) indicates Christ wondered. Though He was moving from place to place, it was not on a Journey from point a to point b.

Throughout every city and village – My first question upon observing the text is, “how inclusive is every city and village? Is this only the region of Judea, Galilee, the entire country?” The Greek to English interlinear shows the words “throughout and every” as added words, which were not in the Greek. The language reads “He went city and village.”

Preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God – Preaching and showing are two different verbs in the Greek. The glad tidings refers to the news which brings forgiveness salvation and peace and is the same message of the Kingdom. This closely ties the statement into the last three verses of Luke seven.

It is interesting to note that the synagogues are not mentioned in connection with Christs preaching and teaching at this point. It appears that Christ’s ministry has moved into the open air. Even so, Christ does not lack a following or an audience to preach to.

The twelve were with Him – From this point forward, the twelve will show up in the gospel more frequently.

Verse 2

And certain women – Up to this point in the gospel, there is only one account of Christ curing a women (Luke4:38-39, Peters Mother-in-law). Two additional women will be mentioned in the passage, although, this is no indication the two encompass the full of the women travelling with Him. (see verse 3)

Mary called Magdalene – Mary’s name, as with Judas Iscariot, tells where she is from rather than who she is associated from (parent, sibling, or child). Magdalene is “from Magdala,” a town which is not mentioned in outside sources nor is its location known.

Which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities…. Whom went seven devils – Many people associate Mary with prostitution and other various sexual sins. Such accusations are not founded in scripture and products of wild imaginations. The text does indicate that Christ had saved her from a very desperate and severe situation. The mention of the number also indicates to show the greatness of the healing.

Verse 3

Joanna – Mentioned here and once more in Luke twenty-four, nothing more is known of her. It is indicated she is well to do as she and others, ministered unto Him of their substance. Leon Morris made a good point, when he mentioned that we read of the money bag of which food and purchases were made, and change given to the poor, but it is not often we see of how it is supplied.

Chuza Herod’s steward – Mentioned only here, we know he was a man of substance. His title, steward, is unclear in position, whether he was the manager of Herod’s house or whether he was a political appointee.

Susanna – This is the only reference to her in the new Testament. Nothing more is known.

Verses 4-8 Parable of the Sower

4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 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. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung 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 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.[2]

Verse 4

The timing and place of the parable is not mentioned by Luke. What can be gathered from the setting is that 1- it came at a time of Christ’s popularity and 2 – It came at a time when people travelled from many towns to come and see Him.

Verse 5

A sower went to sow his seed – In the ancient times, the farmer would sow his seed first and then plough it later.

Some fell by the wayside, and it was trodden down – Some of the seed had landed upon a path that was trodden under foot. The path was an ideal place for the birds to eat.

Verse 6

And some upon a rock – This is referring to rocky ground that is covered over by a thin layer of soil.

Soon as it sprung up, it withered away… lacked moisture – Luke specifies the immediate reason for withering, it lacked water. Mark mentions the ultimate cause, the soil wasn’t deep enough to develop roots.

Verse 7

Some upon thorns…. Throns sprang up and chocked it – Thorns refers to weeds that grow quickly and vigorously. They grow faster than the other plants around them and suffocate the crop of both water and sunlight.

Verse 8

Then there are some seed which land in good soil and produce a worthy yield. In Matthew and Mark, they both state a thirty-fold, a sixty-fold, and a hundred-fold yield. Luke’s account is abbreviated and jumps straight to the hundred-fold.

Verses 9-10 Purpose of the parable

9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 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[3]

Verse 9

In Mark, there is a change of scene, where it is indicated they are alone. Luke, in abbreviation, omits the part of the scene, however, he still envisions the scene, and the reader can identify the change in tone. The disciples ask for understanding and become the answer to the question we should ask in the next verse.

Verse 10

Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God – Mysteries in the Bible refers to knowledge that man cannot come by except God reveals it to him. The disciples heard and desired to understand, and to them knowledge is given.

But to others, in parables, that seeing.. might not see… hearing..might not understand – The question that should be asked is why would Christ speak specifically to cause confusion that the listeners should not understand. The answer lies in the Greek sentence structure and the previous verse. That they should not understand is a result of the teaching, not the reason for the teaching. Parables are meant to conceal truths of God’s Kingdom from those whose hearts would not hearken, but to bring enlightenment to those who seek God and dig beyond the surface. Those who do not understand are responsible for their lack in knowledge, as they willingly reject the gospel message.

This is a citation of Isaiah 6:9

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, tHear ye indeed, but understand not; And see ye indeed, but perceive not.[4]”

Verses 11-15 The Parable Explained

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 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. 13 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. 14 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. 15 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.[5]

Verse 11

The seed is the word of God – Christ now answers the riddle of the parable, stating the seed is the word of God. In stating of God, Christ emphasizes the word is From God and not from man.

Verse 12

Those on the wayside – These refer to the majority of the population today. These are they who hear the word, but do not believe. The devil snatches the word away before it can enter their hearts. Christ describes the motivation as lest they should believe and be saved. This indicates two things, first, the devil works that man may not believe in God. Second, salvation is of faith.

Verse 13

Those who are described as the rocky soil are they who receive the word with joy, but without any substance. Though the received the word, they never committed to the word. This describes those who had a false faith, who never trusted in Jesus, for when the temptation, when the persecution came, they withered away.

Verse 14

This is the person who also receives the word, but as with the last, never fully commits. He gets carried away with the things of this life and is unwilling to let go of the worldly to seek after Christ. He get’s choked out until he is not longer part of Christianity. He may attend Sunday church, but he is only sitting there, he is not being sanctified by the Spirit.

Verse 15

The final person is he who receives the word with an honest and good heart. This is he who accepts it and forsakes all for the sake of Christ. Through the persecution, worries, and pleasures of this life, he patiently waits upon the Lord and develops the works of the Spirit.

Verses 16-18 The Parable of the Lamp

16 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. 17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 18 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.[6]

Verse 16

A candle is not lighted so that it can be hidden or covered up (which would likely put it out). The candle is lighted that it may lighten the room and provide light for men. The candlelight in this verse refers to those who hear the word of God to allow their light to shine for others to see.

Verse 17

There are two common themes from commentators on the verse. The says there will be nothing hidden that will not come to light on judgement day. The second, which contextually suits the text better, states as those who have been given understanding share the news, it will be made manifested to those who see through the light they shine.

Verse 18

The parable ends with an emphasis on how we hear the word. As we hear the word and implement the word in our life, as we carefully listen to what Christ says, we will be given better understanding and enlightenment. The same is true the other way, those who hear and do not properly respond bring upon themselves condemnation.

Verses 19-21 Jesus Mother and Brothers

19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. 20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.[7]

Verse 19

His mother and His brethren – Referring to Mary and His half siblings who are the offspring of both Mary and Joseph.

Could not enter for the press – press literally translates as “crowd.” The crowd had prevented His families access to Him.

Verse 20

Thy mother and brethren stand without – Mary and His brethren are standing on the outside of the crowd seeking to meet with Jesus.

Verse 21

Jesus then states those who hear and do His word are His mother and brothers. Jesus is not teaching physical relations are not important or should be ignored, nor is He forsaking His family, He still greatly loves Mary and provides for Her through John during His death. Rather, Jesus demonstrates the needs of God and His kingdom are more important than physical relationships. Our Duty to God surpasses all else.

Verses 22- 25 Calming of a Storm

22 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. 23 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. 24 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.! 25 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.[8]

Verse 22

Now it came to pass on a certain day – Luke does not mention which day this occurs upon, however, Mark tells us it is the same day as the parable of the sower.

Into a ship with His disciples – It is likely the twelve along with the women were with Him.

Verse 23

As they sailed He fell asleep – Jesus taught the entire day leading to this point and would have been exhausted physically.

There came down a storm of wind from the mountain – The sea sat some seven hundred feet below sea level, surrounded by mountains above. Cold air frequently and quickly whipped up the seas.

And they will filled with water, and in jeopardy – Luke tells the account from the perspective of the people. They were taking on water and in jeopardy of shipwrecking or sinking.

Verse 24

Master, Master – As first referenced in chapter five, Luke uses “Rabbi, teacher,” when referring to the general population speaking to the Lord. When Luke refers to Christ’s followers addressing Him, he used the phrase Mater.

They came and awoke Him – Their fear led them to wake Jesus. In Matthew, they beg of Him to save them, and in Mark, rebuke Him “do you not care if we perish?” In all three accounts, they marvel and question who He is in response to the weather obeying His command. I find it difficult then to imagine in what way they wanted Him to save them.

Then He arose, rebuked the wind and water… there was calm – Jesus gets up and commands the winds and the waters to cease. The response is instant calmness in the region.

Verse 25

Where is your faith – The disciples should have trusted Jesus rather than being taken in fear. When we are in the Lord, we are save and have no need of fear.

Wondered – They marveled at the miracle. Such a reaction is a recurring theme throughout the gospels and is appropriate in the circumstance.

What manner of man is this! For He commandeth and the winds and seas obey – Luke intends for the reader to ask, “who is Jesus?” This is a significant question that should not be ignored and should be sought of all Christians.

Verses 26-30 Legion is Cast Out of a Man

26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes?, which is over against Galilee. 27 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. 28 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. 29 (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.) 30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. [9]

Verse 26

The country of the Gadarenes – The geographical location of this place has caused much issue in gospels. Gerasa is forty miles southeast of the lake. Gadara is six miles away and separated by a deep gorge. There is a third town, called Gergesa, which was not widely known, and it is believed the phrase “country of the gadarenes” is Lukes way of address the issue in affixing it to an entire region.

Which is over against Galilee – Luke includes this account here as it is part of Christ Galilee ministry.

Verse 27

He went forth to land, there met Him a certain man, which had demons – As Christ deboards the boat and begins on land, He is met by a demoniac, or a man with demons. The unfortunate man lived with no cloths and abode neither in any house, but in the tombs. The description of the man would cause a Jew to think of an unclean person, however, for Luke, this symbolized his alienation from society and the demons association with death.

A long time – The mans condition is not new, but has taken place over several years. As verse thirty will indicate, this man is suffering advanced and multiple stages of demonic possession.

Verse 28

When he saw Jesus, he fell down before Him – Though there are many demons in this body, they speak in unison, as if they were a single individual. This causes the singular pronouns “him, he, my.”

What have I to do with you – Literally, what do you want with me?

Jesus, thou Son of God most high – Here Luke’s purpose for the placement of the story is realized. The demoniac has the answer to the disciples question from verse twenty-five. Though they did not fully understand the nature of Christ, the demons had a supernatural knowledge of whom He was.

I beseech thee, torment me not – Verse thirty-one sheds more light upon the nature of the torture the demon feared. He fears being cast into hell prior to the final judgment.

Verse 29

For He commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him – The demon knew he would be forced out, he only desired to not be condemned as of yet.

For oftentimes it had caught him – The horrible condition of this man is described as having been caught many times. The next verse gives further context to just how many times the poor man has been caught.

He was kept bound with chains and in fetters – Chains and fetters describe shackles for the hands and feet. The demons were violent and angry. Their strength is described by the statement, he brake the bands. The statement of the demons strength demonstrates the strength of Christ.

Verse 30

Jesus asked “what is your name?” – This is the only time in the New Testament Jesus converses with a demon. In all other accounts, He rebukes them and commands them out. This does not imply that Jesus power of the demon was in knowing His name.

Legion: because many devils were entered into him – A legion in the Roman periods was six-thousand men. This indicates there were entered into the poor man six-thousand unclean spirits.

[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:1–3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:4–8). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:9–10). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 6:9). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:11–15). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[6] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:16–18). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:19–21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[8] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:22–25). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[9] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Lk 8:26–30). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

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