Luke 7:1 ¶ Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
Luke 7:3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
Luke 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
Luke 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
We have already noted that Capernaum seemed to serve as the base from which Jesus operated. The mountain teaching from the previous chapter evidently took place near that city.
In Capernaum there lived a centurion who had won the affection of the Jewish people who lived there. He demonstrated his love for the Jewish people by building them a synagogue.
A beloved servant of the centurion became sick to the point of death. The centurion heard about Jesus and the miracles of healing He had performed, so he sent some of the Jewish elders (the Greek indicates they were probably members of the Sanhedrin) to ask Jesus if He would come and heal his servant. They immediately complied and sought the Lord on behalf of the centurion by telling him how the centurion had shown his love for the Jewish people.
It is interesting to me that he sought the favor of Jesus from those who were recognized as spiritual leaders in the community. It was basically the spiritual leaders of the nation who did not like Jesus. It would seem that if these leaders were antagonistic toward Jesus, they were very ready to lay aside those feelings on behalf of a man whose support they treasured.
Luke 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Jesus didn’t have to be begged; He went with them. Evidently, the centurion was watching for Him. When he knew He was getting close to his home, he sent friends out with a personal message for Jesus. He declared himself unworthy of having Jesus even enter his home or of approaching Him on his own. He declared that He knew all that Jesus had to do was say the word and his servant would be healed. He explained that his belief was based in his understanding of authority. As a centurion, he commanded a division of the Roman army; when he gave his soldiers orders, they obeyed.
Luke tells us that Jesus greatly admired the man upon hearing his message. He turned and declared to those that were following him that He had not found faith as great as this Gentile’s among the Jewish people.
When the centurion’s messengers returned to his home, they found that the servant had been completely healed.
I feel a strong connection with this centurion. His faith was that Jesus could if He chose to. He expressed that faith when He saw it was Jesus’ will to heal his servant just by the act of responding to his request. I know without a doubt that Jesus can answer my every prayer—the problem is in discernment as to His will. I want His best! Sometimes that comes through testing and/or suffering in ways that I would not desire.
Luke 7:11 ¶ And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Luke 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
Luke 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
Luke specifies that the very next day Jesus traveled to the city of Nain (about 12 miles from Capernaum) with many of his disciples, and a large group of people decided to follow them. When they came to the gate of the city, they encountered a funeral procession. A widow had lost her only son. She must have been well liked since comment was made that many people were with her. When Jesus saw her, He had compassion on her; His heart went out to her. A widow with no children to help support her would be dependent upon charity. He told her to stop crying; then He touched the coffin and told the young man to get up. Immediately the “dead” man sat up and began to talk. Jesus gave the widow her son back to her.
Of note is the fact that Jesus acted as prompted by His compassion—not because He was asked. I think this miracle was another in the progression of miracles He performed to get the people to recognize Him as their Messiah.
Don’t you imagine the woman was confused to say the least when Jesus told her to stop crying? I don’t think she had much time to process her thoughts since Jesus immediately brought her son back to life.
Isn’t it interesting that a “dead” man heard and obeyed Jesus, while so many of us who claim Jesus as Lord and “hear” His words through scripture choose to disobey Him?
Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
This display of Jesus’ power over death put a holy fear into many of the people who witnessed this miracle. To their credit, they recognized the miracle as an act of God and declared Jesus to be a great prophet. Until John the Baptist came on the scene, Israel had been without a prophet since the days of Malachi; that is the significance of the phrase “God has visited His people.”
It didn’t take long for news of this miracle to spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding region. Today, news of such a miracle would be able to travel around the whole world in hours or even minutes.
Luke 7:18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
Luke 7:19 ¶ And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Luke 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Reminder—We learned that John the Baptist had been thrown into prison by Herod in chapter 3, and it is only human that he would get discouraged. Some of his disciples had evidently been following Jesus and decided to report to him what Jesus was doing. John then sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus to affirm whether or not He was Messiah.
Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
It seems that Jesus did not answer them right away. Instead, He began doing miracles to establish the foundation for His answer. He healed many; He delivered some from evil spirits and He caused the blind to see. Then He turned to John’s disciples and told them to go and tell John what they had seen and heard. I think He itemized the list for them because they were things that were prophesied as actions of the Messiah. They were to tell John that the blind were made to see, the lame to walk, the lepers made clean, the deaf made to hear, the dead raised and the gospel preached. (In context, all of the following passages are referencing the coming of the Messiah.)
Isaiah 29:18–19 “And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 35:5–6 “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing….”
Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives….”
What was the gospel Jesus referred to? Luke told us in chapter 4.
Luke 4:43 “And he [Jesus] said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.”
The kingdom of God would be in reference to the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom. He was declaring the message that He had come to deliver them. The problem was that (as we often do) they listened through the filter of their own expectations.
The words “entrap” and “stumble” stood out when I looked at the word “offended.” This thought flows from the idea of expectations. I know from experience that our faith sometimes begins to waiver during the hard times. Jesus is telling John not to be stumbled in his faith or entrapped by doubt or unbelief because of his expectations. Look at the evidence and have faith. Stop focusing on your circumstances and cling to the word of God.
Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.
Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
John’s disciples left to go and tell him what Jesus had said. Jesus then talks to the people about John. I think this implies that the people had heard the conversation between John’s disciples and Jesus. His first question reminds them to think about why they had gone to listen to John to begin with. The following questions were more rhetorical. They certainly hadn’t been drawn by a man with a weak message. They had gone to see a man with a bold message and who didn’t conform to the norm in the way he dressed and lived. They went to hear him because they recognized he was a prophet. Jesus affirms that to be true, but then declares that John was not just another prophet. He was the prophet spoken of by the prophet Malachi that would prepare the way for the Messiah.
Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Jesus then declares that there is (nor has there ever been seems to be implied) no greater prophet than John the Baptist. Then He makes a very thought-provoking statement—“He that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” What does that mean? Listening to this section again, I realized that to be born again in the Spirit is a greater birth than our physical birth. It’s a birth to a sinless, incorruptible, immortal life.
The first conclusion is that the kingdom of God had not yet been established. In fact, the good news Jesus was preaching was that He had come to establish the kingdom. Jesus understood John’s human weakness; He understood how expectations could undermine one’s faith. Those who would become part of the kingdom of God in response to Jesus’ message would be able to declare the identity of the Messiah and His salvation as proven by His death, burial and resurrection. John did not yet understand that truth.
Jesus’ response to John is of great comfort to me. As with John, He understands all my weaknesses and how the circumstances and my expectations can get me down. He understands when I come to Him with wavering faith but with a heart that yearns to be strong. He doesn’t respond in anger or frustration; He always encourages me through the ministry of His word through His Spirit. I am such a slow learner, but I am truly striving to focus on His promises and not the circumstances. It’s easiest regarding my own troubles, but gets ever harder when it touches those I love.
Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
I think the NLT clarifies the KJV in verse 29: “When they heard this, all the people, including the unjust tax collectors, agreed that God’s plan was right, for they had been baptized by John.”
My first thought was that those who have truly repented of their sin find that a changed heart results in an ability to understand spiritual truth. These people had responded to John’s message with repentance. John had pointed them to Jesus. They understood the message that Jesus was sending to John was based in the scripture and that He was declaring the truth about who He was. The Pharisees and so-called experts of the law, the Jewish Old Testament scriptures, however, had no spiritual discernment. They were not ready to admit that they were sinners or that Jesus could be possibly be the Messiah. That is why they had refused to be baptized by John.
When we refuse to admit our sin, it is always rooted in pride and a love for the things of this world. The Pharisees took great pride in obeying the law as it had been interpreted according to men. They enjoyed their positions of leadership and the influence it gave them. So too, the lawyers; they prided themselves on providing expert understanding of the law and the influence they wielded in light of that position. To accept the message of Jesus would require humbling oneself to admit his sin and in essence abdicating his power base.
Though we all don’t possess the same power and influence of these spiritual leaders of Israel, we all have to deal with the issue of pride in admitting our sin. You will find, however, that once you truly humble yourself to admit your sin and submit to Jesus as Lord, your spiritual ears will be opened to learning spiritual truth and learning about the power you possess in the Holy Spirit. You actually trade the weakness of the flesh for the power of the Spirit.
Luke 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
Luke 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Luke 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.
Jesus declares that it is impossible to please these leaders. He compares them to spoiled children who can’t be satisfied. They criticized John the Baptist because he didn’t join the people in normal fellowship, then turned around and criticized Jesus because He did fellowship with the people. Why? Because He chose to fellowship with all people—even those of bad repute. His conclusion—(NLT) “Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” JFB expressed it beautifully: “But the children of Wisdom recognize and honor her, whether in the austere garb of the Baptist or in the more attractive style of his Master, whether in the Law or in the Gospel, whether in rags or in royalty….”
In summary, JFB shares an important insight—Wisdom isn’t a respecter of persons. Wisdom is within the grasp of every Christian. You can be a source of wisdom to others if you will humble yourself before God and strive to obey Him in word and deed while continuing to spend time in His word. Some of those with the greatest spiritual wisdom are those considered least in this world, while some of those thought to possess great wisdom are actually spiritual paupers if spiritual at all.
John and Jesus provide interesting contrasts. John’s ministry was narrow and specific. He was focused on declaring the truth in the power of the Spirit to bring people to repentance in preparation to receive Jesus. Jesus’ ministry was focused on declaring the truth not only in word but through the miraculous empowerment of the Spirit in proof of Who He was.
Luke 7:36 ¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
One of the Pharisees decided to invite Jesus to his home for dinner. A woman of bad repute found out that He was there and took an expensive container of perfume with her to see Him. According to the NIV Commentary, the customs of the day would have allowed her access to the house to wait for leftovers. She positioned herself at His feet (They ate reclining at a table.) and was evidently weeping so greatly that she felt the need to dry His feet with her hair. She then kissed His feet (over and over again) and anointed them with the perfume.
The Pharisee was horrified. He “thought” to himself that Jesus would have known better than to allow her actions if He were truly a prophet. A true prophet surely would not have allowed such a woman to touch him.
Luke 7:40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Without betraying that He knew what the man was thinking, Jesus proceeds to answer the man’s thoughts. As He often did, He told a story. In this story a creditor forgave two men their debt to him; one owed him ten times more than the other. Jesus then asked Simon which one loved the creditor most, and the Pharisee gave the obvious answer—the one whom he forgave most. Jesus now applies that principle to the present situation. This woman came to Jesus in obvious grief and repentance because of her sin. She had obviously previously heard His teaching and/or witnessed His miracles. She knew that Jesus could save her; she believed that He was the Messiah. She showed the sincerity of her faith by how she chose to show her love to the Savior; she wasn’t worried about what anyone else thought of her actions. Her focus was on showing her love to her Savior.
Jesus pointed out the obvious. She was known as a great sinner, so it was to be expected that her response to the One who would forgive her sin would be with great love. Those who didn’t admit to any great sin would not be expected to show much love.
Did the Pharisee understand that Jesus had read his thoughts? I don’t know. Did he understand that Jesus was comparing him to the woman? Again, I don’t know. If he didn’t, it was because his heart was hard. Jesus specifically contrasted the woman’s actions with Simon’s. You and I, however, have no excuse; we need to examine our own lives in light of this teaching.
Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Jesus then turns to the woman and affirms that her sins are forgiven.
Again, those at the dinner (friends of the Pharisee that probably included other Pharisees) began to think about why Jesus thought He had the authority to forgive sins. If only they had spiritual understanding, they would have known it was because He was the Messiah as John had declared, and He had evidenced that truth by His miracles. Their thoughts betrayed their hard hearts.
Jesus tells the woman that she can leave now; she can go in the knowledge that her faith has saved her. She can go in peace—knowing that she is in right relationship with God. I couldn’t help but think of Paul’s beautiful quote in Ephesians.
Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
And to the Romans.
Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ….”
Luke 8:1 ¶ 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,
Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
The CJB clarifies the meaning of verse 1: “After this, Yeshua traveled about from town to town and village to village, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God.”
Jesus is focused on His ministry of getting out the good news of the kingdom of God throughout Israel. The twelve apostles traveled with Him, and He benefited from the support of several women—including some who had been healed of evil spirits, Mary Magdalene whom He had delivered from seven demons, Joanna the wife of Chuza (Herod’s steward), Susanna, and many others.
I think Luke emphasizes the support of these women and the importance it had to the ministry of Jesus in light of the low esteem with which women were generally regarded in that culture. I think these women have much in common with the lady of ill repute from the previous chapter in that they felt their debt to the Savior to be great, so they responded in love to meet His needs as best they could. In everything He taught and in all His actions, Jesus treated women with compassion and respect.
I think it is also significant to note that He did not spurn their provision for His ministry. I think the Holy Spirit is signifying through Luke that their service was just as valid and important to Jesus’ ministry as was that of the disciples. They did not care that they were in the background doing the mundane; they were content to serve their Savior in love in any way they could.
Luke 8:4 ¶ And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
Luke 8:5 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.
Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
Luke 8:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
Luke 8:8 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.
It seems that Jesus tried to choose spots that could be accessed by the people of several nearby cities. After gathering a large crowd, Jesus would teach. On this occasion He teaches a parable—a story with a moral teaching.
Jesus tells of a sower that goes out to plant his seeds. Some of his seeds fell by the roadside only to be stepped on and eaten by the birds. Some fell on rocky ground and died shortly after beginning to sprout because of the lack of water. Some fell among thorns and were prevented from growing because of the thickness of the thorns that grew around it. Some of it fell on good ground and grew up healthy and bore abundant fruit.
After telling the story, Jesus encouraged the people to think about and understand what He had said.
Luke 8:9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
Luke 8:10 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.
The disciples were obviously listening, but they did not understand; and if they didn’t, then you can be sure that most of the people listening did not. They showed wisdom in not being afraid to ask Jesus to explain it to them. (How many students sit in class and stay in the dark because they are afraid of appearing stupid by asking a question?)
Jesus explained to them that He was speaking in parables for a reason. God only gives spiritual understanding of His mysteries, spiritual truths that needed His enlightenment, to those who are seeking to serve Him. Matthew explains it a little more fully.
Matthew 13:11–17 “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
In other words, the disciples were among those who had chosen to believe in Jesus. Because they believed, their hearts were ready to receive spiritual truth. Those who had rejected Jesus had hearts that were hardened and stubborn. They couldn’t understand what Jesus was saying because they refused to accept what He said was truth. They already thought they knew it all and that Jesus had nothing to offer them. Jesus declared their response to Him to be in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Isaiah 6:9–10 “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”
This is another example of how prophecy can find near and far fulfillment or apply to more than one situation until it culminates in final fulfillment.
Matthew adds another interesting bit of truth. The prophets desired to see what the disciples of Jesus were seeing and to hear what they were hearing. They only got to prophesy of the coming Messiah; Jesus’ disciples were experiencing a personal relationship with the Messiah.
Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luke 8:12 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.
Luke 8:13 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.
Luke 8:14 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.
Luke 8:15 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.
Jesus now explains the parable.
Seed = word of God
The different types of ground = the people hearing the word of God
The birds that take the seed away = the devil and his demons
The thorns = the cares and riches and pleasures of this life
It is interesting to note that the sower is scattering his seed everywhere, on all types of ground. Jesus set the example and others who share the truth of God’s word should follow that example; He shared the truth with all who would listen.
Some people hear the good news but immediately reject it because of the attack of the enemy. Others hear the word of God and put on a show of belief until testing comes and they are proven to have been insincere; they immediately abandon their professed faith. Some people claim to believe for a time until it interferes with their enjoyment of the things of the world; they never produce fruit that evidences true spiritual life. In some, however, the word of God finds rich soil that is ready to produce spiritual fruit. They are honest and sincere about doing what God says to do; they do it, and they are willing to wait for Him to reward their obedience.
The obvious question becomes—What kind of ground for the seed of God’s word does my heart provide?
Luke 8:16 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.
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luke 8:18 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.
Jesus continues to explain to the disciples their responsibility. When you light a candle, you don’t cover it up or hide it; you put it on a candlestick to provide illumination not just for yourself, but for others. Jesus intends the truth He is teaching to be known and understood, but only by those who are following Him and truly desire understanding to make application to their own lives. The time is coming when no one will be able to claim a lack of understanding, because the plan of God will be complete and His “mysteries” obvious for all to see. In light of that truth be warned—Take heed how you hear. You are in control of how you hear; you have a choice as to whether to accept Jesus and the truth of God’s word or reject Him. Those who accept Him will be given more. Those who reject Him will lose even what they thought they had.
I think in context these thoughts are referencing back to the seed that fell on the rocky ground and among the thorns. Those people give signs of having spiritual life but quickly die because they never take in spiritual food or do not produce fruit because they do not really possess spiritual life. They lose what they only appeared to have.
Luke 8:19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Evidently, Jesus’ mother and siblings came to see Him, but couldn’t approach Him because of the great crowd surrounding Him. Finally, someone told Him that His family wanted to see Him. Then Jesus gave a very interesting answer. He said, “My mother and my brothers are those that hear the word of God and do it.”
Jesus never passed up an opportunity to teach a spiritual truth. He was declaring that those who chose to act upon the truth He was teaching them and do what God said to do were His family. He was not rejecting His earthly family; He was making the point that the greatest relationships were spiritual. He was also emphasizing that one’s life would give evidence of that spiritual connection through obedience to the word of God.
Luke 8:22 ¶ 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.
Luke 8:23 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.
Luke 8:24 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.
Luke 8:25 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.
Luke shares yet another vignette of the learning experience of the disciples as they followed Jesus. Jesus gets in the boat and tells the disciples to take it to the other side of the lake and promptly falls asleep. A great storm arose that put their safety in jeopardy. They woke up the “Master” and warned Him that they were about to die. He got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and both the wind and the waves became calm.
Jesus then turns to His disciples and rebuked them with a question—“Where is your faith?” I have to admit that I didn’t really understand His response for years. Finally, I learned that the lack of faith referenced His original command to go to the other side. They had been with Him long enough that He thought they should have understood that if He was truly the Messiah, God would not allow Him to be drowned. They should have known that He would not command them to do something they could not do.
I still don’t think they got it; their response was focused on the miraculous power He displayed in controlling the forces of nature. Instead of being comforted, they responded with healthy fear and awe. Jesus had calmed the wind and the waves but not the hearts of His disciples. I’m thinking—Why would this impress them any more than raising someone from the dead or healing a leper etc. They all demonstrate supernatural control over the natural. I think the difference is in the fact that this miracle directly affected them; it saved their lives.
David Phelps sings a song that really speaks to my heart and expresses what I often feel—“Even the wind and the waves obey; why can’t I?”
Luke 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
Luke 8:27 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.
Luke 8:28 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.
Luke 8:29 (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.)
Luke 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
Luke 8:31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
Luke 8:32 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.
Luke 8:33 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.
Once they reached shore they were in the country of the Gadarenes, near the town of Gadara, a mountain town about six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee according to Easton’s Dictionary. As Jesus walked on shore, He encountered a man that had been possessed by many devils for a long time. The man was naked and lived in the tombs. He fell down in front of Jesus and basically yelled at Him asking Him why He had come. He begged Jesus not to torment him. Verse 29 is confusing because it clarifies that Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Luke also explains how the demon caused the man to be so strong that chains were ineffective in holding him captive, and it often drove him into the wilderness.
Jesus then talks to the demon—though addressing the man—and asks his name. The demon declares his name to be Legion, indicative of the fact that the man was possessed by “many devils.” The demons begged Jesus not to send them into “the deep” because they recognized His authority as the Son of the most high God. Their request also indicates that they recognized that there is a place in which some demons are held captive. The Greek for “the deep” is the word abussos, a reference to the bottomless pit. This is the same word for the same place from which the demon locusts of Revelation 9 emerge and in which the devil is bound for 1000 years during the Messiah’s kingdom.
Revelation 9:1–3 “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.”
Revelation 20:1–3 “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”
The demons begged Jesus to let them go into a herd of pigs that were feeding on the mountainside. He granted their request, so the devils left the man and entered the pigs; this caused the pigs to run wildly down the mountain and fall into the lake and drown. Mark tells us that there were about 2000 pigs.
I know this didn’t destroy the demons, so I guess it was just their means of getting away from Jesus. The question becomes—Why did He let them go? I think it has to do with the limited authority that has been granted Satan because of man’s sin until the Lord comes to establish His kingdom.
It stands out to me that God is often referred to in scripture as “the most high.” I think this is according to human understanding, because we know there is only one true God. It did stand out to me in my study of Genesis, however, that there are other “gods” in this world; and my study indicates that these other “gods” refer to the false gods of this world that are the spiritual forces of evil. When Satan tempted Eve, he told her that eating the fruit would make her “as the gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). I think he was referring to himself and those angels that followed him in rebellion against God…..but that is a whole other study.
It also stands out to me how often Jesus encountered people who were possessed by demons. It would make sense for Satan and his host of evil spirits to be extremely active during the time that Jesus was on earth. I don’t think that demon activity ceased, however, when Jesus returned to heaven victorious. In fact, it makes sense to me that these evil forces would redouble their efforts toward trying to thwart God’s plan—after all, their existence depends upon it. We know they are doomed to defeat, but I am not sure they have accepted that truth. Maybe they do know and are just determined to prevent as many as possible from following God and join them in misery for eternity. The point I am trying to make is that I think demons are responsible for many more things affecting people today than we realize. Many mental and physical diseases are caused by Satan and his demons according to the scripture.
Luke 13:11-12 & 16 “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity…. And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”
Matthew 8:16 “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick….”
Matthew 9:32-33 “As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.”
Matthew 12:22 “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw”
Mark 9:17-18 & 25 “And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not…. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.”
The story of Job also reveals that Satan has power to cause diseases as allowed by God. Paul was very clear in declaring evil spirits to be our greatest enemies.
Ephesians 6:11–12 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Luke 8:35 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.
Luke 8:36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
Luke 8:37 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.
It seems that there were men in charge of the pigs that observed everything that had happened. They immediately ran to the city and surrounding area to spread the news. The people came out to see for themselves and found the man clothed and in his right mind sitting at Jesus’ feet. Instead of being happy for the man, they were afraid. They had been told that Jesus had delivered the man from his evil spirits, and they were afraid of someone with that kind of power. Instead of wanting Him to do more miracles, they begged Jesus to leave their country; so He did.
Jesus always seeks but never forces fellowship with man.
Luke 8:38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Luke 8:39 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.
The man who had been set free of the demons begged Jesus to let him go with Him, but Jesus refused to let him come. He sent him home to show the miracle that God had performed for him, and he did. He went around the whole city declaring his testimony. In fact, Mark tells us that he went about the whole Decapolis, a ten-city region, sharing his story.
That should be the response of every sinner saved by grace. We should be so thankful that we can’t wait to share the good news with others.
Luke 8:40 ¶ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
Luke 8:41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
Luke 8:42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
Jesus and his disciples went back across the lake, but the destination is not identified. He received a warm welcome from the crowd that was waiting for Him. They had evidently spotted His boat headed their way.
Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house because his only daughter, a twelve year old, was dying. It seems, however, that the crowd was determined to go with Him.
Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
Luke 8:45 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?
Luke 8:46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
Luke 8:47 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.
Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
In the crowd was a woman who had a disease that had caused her to bleed continuously for twelve years. She had spent all her money on going to different doctors seeking relief, but without result. She didn’t try to stop Jesus or get His attention in any way; she was just determined to touch the hem of His garment. She must have heard about His power to heal and thought that if she could only touch Him, she would be healed. As soon as she touched Him, the bleeding stopped; she knew she had been healed.
Jesus immediately stopped and asked who had touched Him. Peter looked at the crowd surrounding Him and basically observed that many could have touched Him. How could He hope to single out one person?
Jesus then addressed the crowd. He told them that He knew that miraculous power had gone out from Him.
I think the woman, knowing His power, was afraid to keep silent. She came forward trembling and fell down at His feet. She testified before all the people why she had touched Him and how she had been healed immediately. Jesus then comforted her and declared that her faith had made her whole and she could now enjoy a healthy body and the benefits of spiritual peace with God. I believe this was a message to the crowd as well; if you will but have faith in me, you can experience the same.
This is a truth that constantly confronts me. Jesus most often answers us according to our faith. Oh for that mustard seed!
Luke 8:49 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.
Luke 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
While Jesus was talking to the woman, someone from Jairus’ home came to tell him his daughter had died. There was no need for Jesus to come. Jesus heard what the messenger said and told Jairus not to worry; if he would believe (implied just as the woman believed), your daughter will be made whole.
Luke 8:51 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.
Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
Luke 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
Luke 8:56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
When they got to Jairus’ home, no one was allowed to go in with Jesus except Peter, James, John, and the parents of the girl. Everyone was crying, but Jesus told them that there was no need for them to cry; the girl was just asleep. The people didn’t believe Him. They knew she was dead. All the scoffers in the house were put out, and Jesus took the little girl by the hand and told her to get up. Her spirit immediately came back into her body and she got up; Mark tells us that she got up and walked. Jesus then told them to feed her.
Her parents were amazed—wouldn’t you be? Unlike what He told the man He had delivered of the demons, He told the parents not to tell what He had done. Why? He was back in Israel. He wanted the people to recognize who He was in God’s timing. He had already raised a young man from the dead in public, so I admit it’s hard for me to understand the difference. Maybe the difference was the attitude of the scoffers.
I think it is important to note that Luke is inspired to point out that her spirit returned to her. Our spirits are the eternal essence of our being; the part that leaves our body at death. It is the spirit that is immediately in the presence of the Lord when the Christian dies. Our glorified body, the body fit for heaven, will be joined with our spirit/soul at the rapture. I am hoping to be part of those that are “alive and remain” that are transformed in the twinkling of an eye.
2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”