SCRIPTURE: LUKE 8
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (vs. 1-15)
JESUS TOLD THIS PARABLE TO A LARGE CROWD:
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” Then he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”. (vs. 5-8)
THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE
“The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seeds 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. But the seeds on good soil stand for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” [1]vs. 11-15) A LAMP ON A STAND (vs. 16-18) “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For … Continue reading
JESUS CALMS THE STORM (vs. 23-25)
Jesus and his disciples got into a boat to go over to the other side of the lake. As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. Then a squall came down on the lake, and the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples woke Jesus up saying: “Master, master, we are going to drown” (v. 24).
Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters. The storm subsided and all was calm. Jesus asked his disciples. “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). They were amazed that Jesus could command even the winds and the water, and they obeyed him.
THE HEALING OF A DEMON POSSESSED MAN (vs. 26-39)
They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon possessed man. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion” he replied. And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. Instead the demons begged Jesus to let them into a large herd of pigs there. Jesus gave them the permission and the demons went into the pigs and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.
Those tending the pigs ran off and reported what had happened to the town and countryside. The people went out and saw the man sitting at Jesus’ feet dressed and in his right mind. All the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave because they were afraid. So he got into the boat and left. The man from whom those demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus told him to return home and tell how much God has done for him. So the man went away and told all over the town how much Jesus had done for him.
A DEAD GIRL AND A SICK WOMAN ( vs. 40-56)
When Jesus returned, a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet pleading him to come to his house because his only daughter of 12 was dying. As Jesus was on his way, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak and immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus asked who touched him because he knew that power had gone out from him. The woman came trembling and fell at his feet. She told him why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (v. 48)
While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus and told Jairus that his daughter is dead and don’t bother Jesus any more. Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (v. 50) When Jesus arrived at the house of Jairus, he only let Peter, John, James and the child’s father and mother go in with him. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. Jesus said, “Stop wailing, She is not dead but asleep.” (v. 32) The people were laughing at him because the girl was dead. But Jesus took her by the hand and said,, “My child, get up!” (v. 54). Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
THOUGHTS:
The Parable of the Sower helps us to examine our hearts and see how we respond to the Word of God. It is not enough to hear the Word. We must obey and trust His Word. “Path” people are people who refuse to believe God’s message. “Rock” people believe his message but never do anything about it. “Thorn” people do not live for Christ because of worries and the lure of materialism. “Good soil” people followed Jesus no matter what the cost. Which type of soil are you?
When we know the TRUTH, it is our duty to shine that light to the public. We should not keep the benefits for ourselves alone but pass them on to others. Seek opportunities to be of help to others.
What we have heard about the teachings of God, we must do it in order to grow spiritually. How are you using what God has taught you?
Jesus considers those who hear His word and put it into practice as His mother and brothers. He is offering us an intimate family relationship with Him.
Jesus’ disciples were expert fishermen. They knew the extent of the fierce storm that could endanger their lives. But Jesus rebuked the waves and they obeyed Him. When caught in the storms of life, remember that God is sovereign. He controls the history of the world. Just as He had calmed the waves, He can calm whatever storms you may face.
Demon and demon possession are real. Believers should recognize the power of Satan and his demons, but we should not let curiosity lead us to get involved with demonic forces. Demons are powerless against those who trust in Jesus. If we resist the Devil, he will leave us alone.
The healing of the demon-possessed man was a miracle. The people should have appreciated and praised His healing power. But they sent Him away because they were more concerned about pigs and money than about people and mercy.
One woman fought her way desperately through the crowd in order to touch Jesus. As soon as she did so, she was healed. It was her faith that released God’s healing power on her. Do you reach out to God in faith to bring healing to your body, soul and spirit?
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