Luke 8:49-56

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.

Commentary
Now as Jesus was still speaking to the woman, someone came from the ruler of the synagogues house telling him that his daughter had just died so that he needs no longer “trouble” the Teacher; that is ask Jesus to come and heal her, which must have been utterly devastating for the man to hear, knowing that Jesus was so close to his home before she had died (vs. 49). Having then heard the man’s words, and seen the rulers now despondent face, Jesus now says to him, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ^{vs. 50} In Jesus’ Words then there is hope, hope and a promise that that man desperately needed to hear at that time. Therefore, Jesus went to mans house as He originally intended. and when He came into the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him except Peter, James and John and the little girls’ parents (vs. 51). The little girl’s healing then was not going to be a public witness as His healing the woman’s flow of blood was, this something that needed to be done privately and respectfully, considering her parents devastated state at that time. Now all gathered there were weeping and mourning for her, but when Jesus said to them, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” They ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead (vs. 52-53). Which raises a question, why did Jesus say she was sleeping when she was dead? It may have been that He did so, so as not to overtly arouse the people there? For if it was known there that Jesus was fully capable of raising their deceased loved ones from the dead what then would’ve happened? For Jesus was already being swamped by the people wherever He went with them wanting Him to heal them or their loved ones of this or that. In all likelihood if He started doing that openly and on a larger scale, they would’ve wanted to make Him their King then and now, and that would’ve only thwarted His God given purpose and destiny with the Cross. For it was much too early to have a widespread report about Jesus raising people from the dead, for His own Crucifixion and Resurrection from the dead was still far off. Therefore, when Jesus put them all outside; that is those who ridiculed Him; He took her by the hand and said to her, “Little girl, arise.” (vs. 54) Now as soon as Jesus spoke that word to the little girl her spirit returned to her, (indicating that she had been dead), and when she arose, Jesus told them that she should be given something to eat (Vs. 55). Now her parents when they saw this were utterly astonished at what had just occurred. It is then that Jesus charges them to tell no one; something He would not have done if she had been only “sleeping” or in comatose, or unconscious state. Jesus’ then in raising this little girl from the dead, and thus restoring her to life, was not as a witness for Himself, but for her and her parents sake.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:41-48

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. 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.”

Commentary
Vs. 41-42 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.

Now with Jesus’ arrival back on the shore and a multitude of people being there who were waiting for Him and who greeted Him upon His arrival, amongst them also was a man named Jairus who was the ruler of the synagogue there. This man desperately wanted to see Jesus, for he had a twelve-year-old daughter who was dying, and so when he came to Jesus he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, however as Jesus went the multitudes thronged Him.

Vs. 43-44 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.

Now as this was occurring there drew near to Jesus a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years (who was according to the Law of Moses ceremonially defiled, and thus would’ve been excluded from having normal relations and personal contact within the community, see Lev. 15:19-33; vs. 25-33). And so, it was that this woman in her desperation to be healed had spent all of her livelihood on physicians and yet could not be healed by any. And so, you can imagine the plight of this poor woman, who was not only an outcast in her own community, but now also impoverished! And so, it was that when she approached Jesus she did so by great stealth, for if anyone recognized her, they would’ve thrust her out from amongst them and Him. Therefore, not wanting to be recognized she approaches Jesus from behind and touches the border of His garment. Now this she did since she believed that in doing so, she would be healed (Matt. 9:21). Now when she did her flow of blood immediately stopped.

Vs. 45-48 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.”

Now when she did so Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” However, those around Jesus all denied doing so. Then Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ (vs. 45), However Jesus is insistent and says again to them, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” (vs. 46)

Therefore, the woman seeing that she was not hidden, came before Jesus trembling and falling down before Him, she declared to Him and all there the reason she had touched Jesus and how she was immediately healed when she touched Him (vs. 47). Now at this point this woman is more than likely expecting a stern rebuke, for that is what she would’ve been accustomed too, having had this flow of blood for twelve years. For everywhere she would’ve gone, people would’ve rebuked her for touching this or sitting on that, or worse coming into contact with someone, and thus making them temporarily ceremonially defiled like she was. And so, at this point you can just imagine her great trepidation and fear as to what is about to happen next. Now with the woman’s honest confession about what she did and why she did it, Jesus’ does not rebuke her. Instead He says’ to her: “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Now if there is one thing that I want you to take away from Jesus’ Words to her, Words of grace and truth (John 1:17), is that He said that it was her faith in His Person to do what she, and no one else could do for her, that made her well. For that is the fundamental basis upon which anyone and everyone receives God’s salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Not by one’s own works or will, nor by anyone else’s, but only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified for all our sins and transgressions and then He rose from the dead three days later for our Justification in the sight of God. So that He can now having cleansed us of all our sins and transgressions by His shed blood, now by His Holy Spirit impart in us new and everlasting life the moment we believe in Him (John 3:16; Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore, I urge you believe in and receive the Lord Jesus Christ for yourself. For if you do He will make you a child of God and make you a new creation In Christ! (John 1:12-13; 2 Cor. 5:17).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:26-40

 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. ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

Commentary
Vs. 26-27 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.

Having calmed the sea for, and before His disciples, Jesus now reaches land safely with them in the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And so, it was when Jesus stepped out onto the land and there met Him a man from the city who had demons for a long time. Now this man wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. And so, if the ragging sea was a freighting experience for the disciples, what they now saw when they landed would’ve been no less unsettling. For anyone who has ever encountered an individual/s taken over by demons, you know just how freighting an experience that is.

Vs. 28-29 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.

Now when the man saw Jesus he cried out, and fell before Him saying with aloud voice, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” This man then though taken over by demons did not lose the capacity to discern the presence of God in his midst, indeed it was likely heightened by the demonic forces who had seized him. And so, his crying out to Jesus this way as the Son of the Most High God strangely would’ve been the first time Jesus’ disciples would’ve heard Him addressed that way. Now this he did because Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of him. For Jesus already knew the man’s condition and what it had been doing to him. … “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.” ^{vs. 29}
For the poor man was only continually being tormented by it, which when it sized him, he would exemplify all kinds of strange behavior which his community in attempts to restrain him, had taken to binding him with chains and shackles, which he would break free of, and then be driven into the wilderness by the demon. Thus he “lived” totally at its control of him, with his communities barricading and isolating him from them on the one hand, or the demon driving him into the wilderness on the other. A horrible existence than for anyone to have.

Vs. 30-31 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.

Jesus now addresses the man by asking him his name, to which he responds Legion, “because many demons had entered him.” Thus, it is not him but they who are speaking to Jesus, and so they begged Jesus that He would not command them to go out into the abyss, leaving them disembodied.

Vs. 32-33 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.

Now there was there a heard of swine grazing on one of the grassy cliffs that overlook the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Therefore, the demons begged Jesus that they might enter them. Now in the law of Moses swine are unclean animals, thus no Israelite was to eat or have contact with them. Therefore, Jesus grants them their request, and they immediately enter the heard of swine, which causes them to run violently down the steep place where they were into the sea and drown. This spectacular sight then would’ve stunned the disciples, who in hearing and observing these things would now also know that even the fiercest of demonic forces is utterly fearful of and completely subject to Him.

Vs. 34-35 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.

Now when those who fed the swine saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country (vs. 34), basically wherever they went they told all whom they encountered of these things. Therefore, the people of that region having heard these things went out to see what had happened. And when they came to Jesus, they found Him with the man whom the demons had departed from, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid (vs. 35). For Jesus with a Word (Matt. 8:32) did in transforming that man’s person and life what they could never do in trying to restrain him with all their chains and shackles.

Vs. 36-40 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. ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.

Now the men of their region who had observed these things began to tell it to the whole assembled crowd from the surrounding region of the Gadarenes how these things occurred. However rather than rejoicing in the Son of God who had showed such mercies to the man, their fear only intensified and they asked (i.e. begged, Matt. 8:34) Jesus to depart from their region. Making them they only people in the Gospel to beg Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of all mankind to depart from them, which is a potential response that certain people will have to Jesus, because not all people will want him as their own Lord and Savior (consider 2 Cor 2:14-17). And so, with that Jesus got into the boat and returned. However, before Jesus departs back to Galilee, the man whom Jesus had cast the demons out of, begs Him that he might be with Him (vs. 38). However, Jesus will send him away, but not as rejection of his person, but rather on a mission, to tell the world about Him, saying to him, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” ^{vs. 39} And with the man goes his way and proclaims throughout the whole city just what Jesus has done for him. For everyone who has experienced the mercies of God through Jesus Christ will also want to tell the world about Him, and so that is just what that man did. Boldly, freely, and completely, because he had been liberated from the chains and shackles of sin and Satan and man that once held him. Therefore, that man whom his community had written off, had a new Godly purpose which he was now passionately pursuing. And so, it was when that man departed on his mission, Jesus returned to the other side of the Sea of Galilee where there was a multitude of people waiting there for Him who welcomed Him when He arrived (vs. 40).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:22–25

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!”

Commentary
Jesus being alone with His disciples, having left the multitudes, now desires to cross over the lake (i.e. the Sea of Galilee), and so entering into a boat (likely a small fishing vessel) they take their leave of that region and head out (vs. 22). Now as they were sailing across the lake Jesus fell asleep. Which may be indicating that this was night crossing? No matter whether night or day, as they were sailing across it, a windstorm came down upon the lake (from the hills and cliffs that surround it) and began to violently turned up and toss its waters, so much so that they began to fill with water, and thus fearing for their safety the disciples turned to the Lord and awoke Him saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (vs. 23) Now when they did so Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they ceased and there was calm (vs. 24). Having done so, Jesus now says to them, “Where is your faith?” Which is a very valid question that Jesus also asks us when we too have to face those situations or circumstances or forces or even individuals that are far greater than us, and thus arose all manner of fears inside of us. Because as Jesus demonstrates time and again, He alone has Sovereignty over all of creation, and thus command over all of the forces and powers in it. There is then nothing in heaven or on earth that we are to fear as being able to separate us from Him (Rom. 8:31-39). Therefore, having seen how Jesus immediately saved them from seemingly perishing, the disciples are now afraid (but not with the fear with which they had when the storm arose) but with an awe fear of the Lord for what had just transpired. And so, they begin saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (vs. 25). Thus, in first allowing the storm, and then delivering the disciples (who were all acquainted with the risks of the Sea) Jesus is revealing to them His command over all forces and all powers in creation. So that they might see Him as someone who is more than just preacher or teacher whom they were following, but as He is, the Son of Man/the Son of God who exercises God’s Sovereignty over everything. Therefore, we too can have full confidence in Him to face anyone or anything, no matter how fierce, how strong, how overwhelming, our Lord and Savior and King Jesus Christ is far greater, stronger, and fiercer than all (consider Job 41, vs. 10-11). Therefore, have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and He will save you out of all of your troubles (Job 5:15; 40:9-41:11; Psalm 7:10; 20:6; 34:6; 17-19; 91:3; 71:20; 124:7; 107 etc.).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:19–21

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.”

Commentary
Having declared the seriousness in which we all are to receive the Word of God with. Jesus is now told by a certain individual in the crowd that His mother and brothers are seeking to see Him, to which Jesus responds by saying: “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Jesus then clearly reveals that family ties in the Kingdom of God only go as deep as one hears and does the Word of God, thus, believing in and obeying Him is the mark of our true family (consider Matt. 10:34-42). 

Scripture Quotations
New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:16-18

 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.”

Having given and explained to us His parable of the Sower, Jesus now reinforces it by telling us another brief parable. In this He uses a lamp to describe His Word as a lamp set on a lampstand so that it’s illuminating light may go out to all His followers, so that all who enter into His discipleship may see, know and believe the truth and revelations of God’s Word. For as He says, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” ^{vs. 17} For with the Lord Jesus Christ’s arrival the opening up of the Scriptures, and thus the mysteries of God to His disciples through His apostles and prophets is upon us all (Rom. 16:25-27; Eph. 1:9-10; 3:4-7; 5:13-14). Therefore, it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to receive His Word reverently, and to believe His Word completely, as Jesus says, “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.” ^{vs. 18}  
Those then who take lightly God’s Word, or who take it as one of “many truths” will by their doing so, be shut out from having any of its truths given to or retained by them!

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:4-15

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!” 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.’ 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.

Commentary
Vs. 4-8 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!”

With a great multitude of people being assembled from every city in that region; (and thus there were people gathered there from all walks of life); the Lord Jesus Christ now tells them a parable to draw an analogy of Himself teaching and preaching the Word of God, and people’s various responses to it. Now the parable isn’t limited to just His Person teaching and preaching the Word of God, but at its heart is His Word, and its effect on people’s hearts, minds, and lives wherever it is sown. To begin then Jesus tells of a Sower who went out to sow His seed. Now the picture here is of a man with a bag of seed on his side walking through a field, who as He walked cast His seed on either side of himself, and so it was that some of the seed fell by the wayside, and was trampled down, and the birds of the air came and devoured it (vs. 5). Next Jesus says that some of the seed feel on the rock (that were in the field) and so it soon sprang up, however it withered away because it lacked moisture, for having no root in the soil it could not survive (vs. 6). In His third example Jesus then says that some of the seed fell amongst the thorns, and thorns sprang up with the seed and choked it out (vs. 7). Now in His finial example Jesus says that some of the seed 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!” (vs. 8)

Vs. 9-10 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.’

The disciples then having heard these things and not immediately understanding them, now ask Jesus what these things mean (vs. 9). Now Jesus in answering says to them “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.’ ^{vs. 10} Thus Jesus says that His true disciples will be given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, while those who are only shallow in the faith, and or seeking God, will have His truths concealed from them. Therefore, the mysteries of the Kingdom of God will come to them in parables.

Vs. 11-15 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 now explains His parable by first saying that the seed is the Word of God (vs. 11). And like all seed that is sown the Word of God does not always take root in people’s hearts and lives. For it is clear that only one fourth of what is sown yields a crop, and yet that crop will yield a bounty of hundredfold! Therefore, in the first example that Jesus gave of the seed falling by the wayside and being trampled underfoot and then devoured by the birds of the air, in actuality is those people who hear the Word of God, but then the devil comes and takes away the Word of God out of their hearts lest they believe and be saved (vs. 12). Those people then are the ungodly mockers and scoffers who hear, but whose hearts and minds and lives have been given over to the devil and his domain. And so, they have no desire for it, other than to hold it in contempt and trample it underfoot.


Next Jesus explains about the seed that fell on the rock, that as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. This then represents those who when they hear the Word of God, receive it with joy, who believe for a while, however in time of temptation fall away (vs. 13). For many a Christian has started out well, but when faced with temptation instead of battling through it (consider Heb. 12:3-6), surrender to it, or revert back to what God called them out of, and so sadly they fall away from the faith.

In His third analogy Jesus described how some of the seed fell amongst the thorns and when both sprang up together, the thorns chocked out the Word of God. Thus, in explaining this Jesus says that the seed that fell amongst the 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 (vs. 14) because other things take “priority” in their lives. The first warning then is don’t let your faith and life be consumed by the cares of this life. For all such worries about this thing or that, will only choke out the Word of God and leave you fruitless in the end, if your life is lived is consumed with the cares and concerns of this life. For many a Christian never finds their true calling and purpose because they’re lives are consumed by their own worries, fears, and anxieties about this thing or that. For a life of faith to be fruitful and abundant one must walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). 
Next in the thorn’s analogy is “riches”. Given the Lord Jesus many warnings about riches and their effect on the human heart it’s amazing that people still desire, seek and pursue earthly riches which will only leave them Spiritually bankrupt in the end (consider Prov. 23:4-5). And so, Jesus here warns again about them saying that they are a cause of many a person falling away from Him, because of their desires for and pursuits of them (consider 1 Tim 6:9-11; James 1:9-11 etc.). Last then is the thorns that choke out the Word of God, and thus bring no fruit to maturity is as Jesus explains His parable the “pleasures of life.” For there are many things that people desire and love to do that have nothing to do with serving the Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. Now these things in of themselves are not wrong, rather it is the emphasis and time that one places and spends on them that is the danger. For laboring in the Word of God is hard work; it requires discipline and self-denial and time, something which all our lives desperately lack. Nonetheless our service for Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of heaven reaps its own rewards and pleasures if one remains faithful in it. Therefore, in His last warning, Jesus warns us all not to let the pleasures of life overtake our faith in and pursuits for Him. For like all things, the pleasures of life only last for a season (read Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; vs. 12-14 if in doubt, and take King Solomon’s wise judgment to heart); but our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the work that we do for Him will last and will be handsomely repaid for all eternity! Therefore, in concluding explaining His parable Jesus now explains that the seed that the Sower sowed and fell on good ground “…are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” ^{vs. 15} The optimum word being that we bear fruit with patience, that is not in a season but over the course of ones new and wonderful faith life as a new creation In Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). For it is in the highs and the lows and temptations and trials that we must pass through that Godly character is being forged and reinforced in us so that we might bear greater fruit (consider John 15:1-8). Therefore, brethren remain faithful and steadfast in your faith and Godly convictions and continue on in following Jesus Christ and serving Him whenever and wherever you can, because only those who remain faithful to Him will be rewarded by Him. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” ^{1 Cor. 15:58}

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 8:1-3

 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.

Commentary
Having freely forgiven a repentant sinful woman while dinning in a Pharisees house. Jesus now goes through every city and village in that region, “preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.” Thus, many would’ve also experienced the grace and forgiveness and love of God for them while Jesus was there. Now the twelve were also with Jesus while He was doing so, and they too would’ve been observing and thus learning of all these things. Now the Scripture briefly notes that there was certain woman who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities who were also with the twelve and who ministered to Jesus. The first mentioned is Mary Magdalene a woman who had seven demons cast out of her. And thus, like the previous sinful woman Jesus forgave, Mary Magdalene would have been a social outcast, and likely estranged from the greater faith community. After her is mentioned Joanna the wife of a man named Chuza, who was Herod’s steward. And thus, he was the man who ran Herod’s household. How his wife came to know and follow Jesus is untold, nonetheless the Gospel is never bound to social or economic boundaries, but reaches all people from all walks of life everywhere! Then there is a woman named Susanna, who is mentioned along with many other women as also providing for Jesus from their own substance. These women then who would’ve been unknown to crowds and multitudes whom Jesus preached too and healed were themselves ministering to Him! And thus, their contribution to Him from their own substance so He could keep ministering to one and to all is now recalled and mentioned, because what they did will never be forgotten by Him. Rest assured then all woman who likewise down through the centuries who also ministered to those who were, and are, ministering the Gospel will likewise never be forgotten, but they’re good works and deeds and sacrifices for Him will be recalled and repaid by Him in heaven.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 7:36-50

³⁶ Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. ³⁷ And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, ³⁸ and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. ³⁹ Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” ⁴⁰ And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” ⁴¹ “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴² And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” ⁴³ Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” ⁴⁴ Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. ⁴⁵ You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. ⁴⁶ You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. ⁴⁷ Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” ⁴⁸ Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ⁴⁹ And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰ Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Commentary
Vs. 36 “Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat.”

Having declared that “wisdom is justified by all her children” ^{Luke 7:35} in the defense of John the Baptist and Himself. Jesus is now asked by one of the Pharisees there to come and eat with him. And so, Jesus graciously accepts the man’s invitation to dine with him, and goes to the Pharisees house.

Vs. 37-38 ³⁷ And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, ³⁸ and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.

Now in that city there was a woman who was sinner; meaning she was known throughout it as being a sinner. Nonetheless when she knew that Jesus sat at the table (more like reclined sideways on a couch) in the Pharisees house, she did something that was very extraordinary and contrite. For she came into the house, and having brought with her an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, she stood at Jesus’ feet behind Him weeping. And she began to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now why did she kiss Jesus’ feet? because these same feet that walked into the Pharisees house; which she stood behind because she felt unworthy to see His face, which she washed with her tears, and wiped dry with the hair of her head, which she kissed before anointing them with the fragrant oil, will be the same feet which will walk to the Cross to redeem her soul. Thus, this woman understood who Jesus’ was, and who she had been, and thus she knew that she could do nothing to redeem herself, or make herself acceptable to God, and so all she could do was offer her tears and contrition at the feet and of the One who could.

Vs. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

Now rest assured though it was a common practice to have an “open door” policy when it came to hosting meals and feasts and such, since hospitality was a greatly regarded virtue amongst the Jews. Had not Jesus been known for His own courtesy and hospitality towards one and all, this woman may never have been permitted to stay. Nonetheless the Pharisee who invited Jesus when he saw her enter said nothing, and while she showed all manner of contriteness and humility, mixed with her great thanksgiving towards Jesus, also said nothing. And yet, having seen it all, and instead of being moved by it all, can now only find it in his heart to doubt Jesus’ Person by saying to himself, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

Vs. 40-43 ⁴⁰ And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” ⁴¹ “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴² And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” ⁴³ Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”

Now as soon as Simon thought such things about the Lord Jesus Christ and the woman’s own displays of contrition and thanksgiving towards Jesus. Jesus knowing that Simon was speaking such things about Him in his heart now asks him a question about two debtors, one owes five hundred denarii and the other owes fifty, therefore Jesus asks him, “And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” To which Simon reasons out and replies by saying: “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And with Jesus says to him, “You have rightly judged.” And yet in having judged the parable of Jesus rightly, Simon could not discern nor judge the very real manner in which the woman was behaving toward Jesus and the very real mercy that He was about to bestow on her because of her own faith in Him.

Vs. 44-46 ⁴⁴ Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. ⁴⁵ You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. ⁴⁶ You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil.

With Simons right reply to His parable of the two debtors, and yet he remained spiritually blind to his own need, Jesus now turns to the woman, (who had previously been behind His feet) and now says to Simon: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head.” ^{vs. 44}

Indeed, one of the first things that ancient hosts would do would be too offer water and towels for their guests to wash their feet. It was a very common gesture, and yet Simon in wanting to checkout Jesus for himself, and see if he was really a prophet, completely overlooked that. However, as Jesus notes the woman whom Simon condemned in his heart, when she saw Jesus, she immediately went to Him and washed His feet with her tears and wiped them dry with the hair of her head. In other words, she had no doubts about who Jesus’ Person was, and knowing who He was (and what she had been) she was exceedingly sorrowful before Him. Similarly then Jesus says to Simon that when He entered Simons house Simon gave Him no kiss of greeting (again a completely common congenially gesture that ancient hosts practiced by kissing their guests on the cheek upon greeting and receiving them), and yet Simon likely hedging his bets did not want to extend such a welcome and greeting to Jesus, just in case Jesus didn’t turn out to be who He was. Therefore, Jesus says to Simon: “You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.” ^{vs. 45} Thus Simon didn’t even think Jesus worthy of a greeting kiss on the cheek, and yet the sinful woman only thought herself worthy of kissing His feet!

Again, Jesus says in recalling Simons own actions towards Him, and that of the sinful woman’s, now says to him, “You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil.” ^{vs. 46}

Simon then didn’t even extend the courtesy of anointing Jesus head with just some common oil (again a common gesture of hospitality) while the sinful woman, not feeling worthy to touch Jesus’ head anointed His feet with the very costly fragrant oil. Quite a contrast then in how each one viewed Jesus and themselves in relation to Him.

Vs. 47-50 ⁴⁷ Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” ⁴⁸ Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ⁴⁹ And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰ Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Jesus then in concluding His rebuke of Simons evil judgment of Him, now says to him, Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Thus, revealing the true nature of those who belong to God and those who don’t. For though Simon had all the religion, and knew all its laws and practices, yet he had little faith in, and love for God, because he had never experienced the grace and love of God for him. For his faith was essentially on his keeping and observing his religion, as it was taught him, and thus he had never opened his heart to God, (as the sinful woman did) and so he never experienced the depths of God’s love and mercies and forgiveness and restorative power for him, which then spills over into how one sees and perceives others. Especially in how one sees and perceives God. For as Jesus says, “But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” ^{vs. 47} Having said as much Jesus now turns to the sinful woman and says to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ^{vs. 48} Which then brings the immediate consternation of those who were sitting around the table (vs. 49). Nonetheless Jesus is unmoved by their unbelief, and continues from His heart to hers, by saying to her, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” ^{vs. 50}
Thus, not her morally “perfect’ life, nor her religion, nor her faithfully observing all its decrees and practices, as Simon likely held and did, but her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who has all Authority and Power to forgive sins, is what saved her, and will save you too, if you also repent and believe in Him as the Scripture has said.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 7:31-35

³¹ And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? ³² They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ ³³ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ ³⁴ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ ³⁵ But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

Commentary
The Lord Jesus Christ having declared that the multitudes who were baptized by John justified God (that is proved that God is Righteous) in being baptized by him, now turns to those who did not do so, that is “the men of this generation”; meaning those who did not believe John and thus were not baptized by him. Saying: “They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ ^{vs. 32}
And thus, they treat God as if He is required to move to their “music” and be swayed by their “mourning” and “dance.” However, God does not move, nor respond by obeying one’s own ideas about Him, nor does He adhere to the traditions and commandments of men. And so since both John and Jesus did not act, nor respond as they would have them do, they found fault with both of them. For John the Baptist’s very ascetic and isolated lifestyle they used only to dismiss him and his message of repentance towards God by saying of him, ‘He has a demon.’ (Vs. 33) While Jesus ate and drank with His disciples and He befriended one and all, and so they only said of Him, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ ^{vs. 34} And so it is no matter what they did, or would do, the unbelieving generation always found a fault with them. For that is what they do, they always find a fault with Jesus, or with His disciples, or with Christianity in general. No matter what He, or even any of His disciples do, the unbelieving generation will always be unmoved by them. Therefore, Jesus in concluding says, “But wisdom is justified by all her children.” That is the fruits of the Lord Jesus Christ’s own life as well as all the peoples redeemed souls and transformed lives by Him will always and perpetually justify the Wisdom of God that is God’s Son.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 7:24-30

²⁴ When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ²⁵ But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. ²⁶ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. ²⁷ This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ ²⁸ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” ²⁹ And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

Commentary
Vs. 24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

The Lord Jesus then having healed many and restored sight to the blind in the very presence of the messengers sent from John the Baptist to Him; and so with their departure to report back to John what they have seen and heard Jesus now begins to speak to multitudes of people around Him concerning John. Asking them what did they go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? That is when they heard of John’s preaching in desert and they went out to see who this was, did they expect to find some preacher whose message and faith would soon start to wane because of those forces who would oppose him. No John the Baptist was so much more than a would be “preacher” looking to make some disciples for himself. For John the Baptist was the messenger sent before the Christ, therefore he will keep his faith In the Lord Jesus Christ to the end.

Vs. 25 “But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts.”

Neither then was John a faith “celebrity” who was well dressed and well-manicured who ran with, and ran after, the “power brokers” and the money crowd.

Vs. 26-28 ²⁶ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. ²⁷ This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ ²⁸ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Now for those curiosity seekers who went out to see John the Baptist because they wanted to see a real-life prophet, Jesus says that John was so much more than just another prophet, for “This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ ^{vs. 27} Thus in quoting from Malachi 3:1 Jesus is saying that John the Baptist was the foretold messenger who was sent by God to prepare the way before Him. Therefore, the people needed to know and understand that John’s person and ministry was not born of himself, but has its origins in God, to fulfill His Word. Therefore, John was God’s messenger sent before the Lord Jesus Christ to prepare the way for Him. And as such no prophet born of women is greater than John the Baptist, because he was chosen to announce and baptize, God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore having elevated John the Baptist to the prestige that Christ’s forerunner must have, Jesus now says to crowds, … “but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” In other words, do not be satisfied to have known or known of John the Baptist, and thus been baptized by him, because “he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” For Johns ministry and life was wrapped up on earth, but the Lord Jesus Christ’s, and thus all who believe in Him are eternally bound to Him in the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore, even the least person there is greater than John the Baptist was down here.

Vs. 29-30 ²⁹ And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

So it was when all the people heard Jesus, even the tax collectors justified God; that is by their obeying God in repenting and being baptized by John as He wanted all of Israel to do they justified Him, that is they proved that He was right in having sent John to preach to them to repent and then be baptized (i.e. be ceremonially cleansed or washed of all their sins and transgressions) in preparation for His Son (Acts 13:23-24). However, as the Scripture notes the Pharisees and lawyers (i.e. authorities in the Law) rejected God’s will for themselves, by not repenting and being baptized by John. Therefore, in rejecting the Will of God for themselves they shut themselves out of the Kingdom of God, because know one who rejected John’s baptism, ever received the Lord Jesus Christ’s Baptism (antithesis Acts 19:1-7).

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson