[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 8
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” (Luke 8:15)
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:16-17)
“He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” (Luke 8:21)
““Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:39)
“Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (Luke 8:50)
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (vs. 1-15)
A farmer went out to sow seeds on four different places and its outcome:
- Along the path – birds of the air ate it up.
- On the rock – it withered because there is no moisture.
- Among the thorns – the thorns choked up the plants.
- Good soil – it flourish and yielded a hundred times of crop.
MEANING OF THE PARABLE: The seed is the Word of God
- Along the path – one hears the word of God but the devil takes it away from their hearts.
- On the rock – they receive God’s word, but during times of testing, they fall away.
- Among the thorns – they hear God’s word but life’s worries, riches and pleasures choked them to wander away.
- Good soil – they hear God’s word, retain it and bear fruits.
A LAMP ON A STAND (vs. 16-18)
Jesus considers all who hear and practise His Word as his mother and brothers.
JESUS CALMS THE STORM (vs. 22-25)
While on the boat with his disciples, Jesus went into sleep. A big storm came and the boat was in danger. The disciples woke Jesus up and Jesus rebuked the wind and the storm subsided. Jesus asked his disciples: “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). They were amazed that even the waves and the water obeyed him.
THE HEALING OF A DEMON POSSESSED MAN (vs. 26-39)
When Jesus stopped ashore the region of Gerasenes, a demon possessed man came out of the tomb without clothes and shouted: “What do you want with me Jesus, Son ot the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torment me” (v. 28). The Legion (numerous demons) begged Jesus to let them go to the herd of pigs which Jesus permitted. The demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep banks into the lake and was drowned. When the people saw the man dressed with his right mind sitting at Jesus; feet, they were frightened. They asked Jesus to leave the town. The man begged to go with Jesus but Jesus told him to stay home and tell how much God has done for him.
A DEAD GIRL AND A SICK WOMAN (VS. 40-56)
Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue had a daughter who was dying. He fell at Jesus’ feet and pleadeD him to go to his house. As Jesus was on his way, a woman bleeding for 12 years touched Jesus cloak and her bleeding stopped. Jesus knew someone had touched him because his power has gone out. The woman confessed to him and Jesus commended for her faith.
Someone came to report that Jairus daughter had died. But Jesus comforted hims saying: “Don’t be afraid, just believe and she will be healed” (v. 50) When he arrived at the house of Jairus. Peter, James, John and the parents of the child went inside to the room. He took him by hand and said: “My child, get up” (v. 54). Her spirit returned and she stood up.
REFLECTION:
- Jesus emphasized the word “HEAR” in this chapter for 7 times. {A}-“He who has ears to hear, (v. 8a); {B}”let him hear” (v. 8b); {C}-“Though hearing, they may not understand” (v. 10); {D}-“Those along the path are the ones who hear” (v. 12); {E}-Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root” (v. 13); {F}-The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (v. 14); {G}-But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produces a crop” (v. 15). It is important that we plan the Word of God in our hearts as well as in the hearts of others. Are you hearing the Word of God?
- The lamp is to give light. We we receive God’s word, we have to share it with others to give them light in God’s truth.
- Hearing God’s word is not enough. Its purpose is for us to listen carefully, receive it and obey it. Are you obedient to His word?
- When storms occured while Jesus’ disciples were on the boat, they were panicked and frightened. But Jesus got up and rebuked the wind. When we face the test of life, do you trust God’s promises?
- The demon possessed man whom Jesus healed wanted to go with Jesus but Jesus sent him home to be a witness for him. You may not become a full-time minister for the Lord, but are you willing to stay where you are and tell others what God has done in your life?
- When the people saw what had happened to the demon possessed man and the herds, they asked Jesus to leave. They missed the opportunity to let Jesus stay and listen to His Word. Have you missed the opportunity to let God’s word work in your life by escaping your daily devotional time with God?
- The woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years was healed because of her faith. Do you have the confidence that “faith” can make you whole from your sickness?
- Jairus’ daughter was dead when Jesus arrived. Jesus dismissed the mourners and assured Jairus that she was not dead but asleep. He commanded the Spirit to return and the child got up. Have you encountered a very discouraging and hopeless situation in life? Let His word release the power to solve your problem and give you peace.
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