Study Bible
Luke
Chapter 8

More Teaching and Miracles

Luke 8:1-56Luke: List of Major Bible Charts, Maps, & PicturesJesus' Ministry in Galilee

Luke 8:1-56NIV11-EN

¹After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ²and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. ⁴While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: ⁵“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 ate it up. ⁶Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. ⁷Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. ⁸Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” ⁹His disciples asked him what this parable meant. ¹⁰He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “ ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ ¹¹“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. ¹²Those 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. ¹³Those on the rocky ground 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. ¹⁴The 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. ¹⁵But 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. ¹⁶“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. ¹⁷For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. ¹⁸Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” ¹⁹Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. ²⁰Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” ²¹He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” ²²One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. ²³As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. ²⁴The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ²⁵“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” ²⁶They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. ²⁷When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. ²⁸When 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 of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. ³⁰Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. ³¹And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. ³²A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. ³³When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. ³⁴When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, ³⁵and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ³⁶Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. ³⁷Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. ³⁸The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹“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. ⁴⁰Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. ⁴¹Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house ⁴²because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. ⁴³And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. ⁴⁴She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. ⁴⁵“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” ⁴⁶But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” ⁴⁷Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. ⁴⁸Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” ⁴⁹While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” ⁵⁰Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” ⁵¹When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. ⁵²Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” ⁵³They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” ⁵⁵Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. ⁵⁶Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

New International Version · Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

More Teaching and Miracles

Luke records a some parables and miracles that Jesus did. These demonstrated in part that the Kingdom had come.

Luke brings together several accounts to further reveal Jesus's identity. He teaches (v. 1, 4-18, 21), heals (vv. 2, 26-35, 43-48), calms storms (vv. 22-25), and raises the dead (vv. 49-56). Most importantly, he is the object of saving faith.

Parable of the Sower

in Luke 8:1-3, we need to understand that Rabbis refused to teach women, so Jesus' attitude in accepting them into his group of followers was unusual. Jesus proceeds with the Parable of the Sower. This parable is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below).

Luke 8:1

Summary statement about the nature and extent of Jesus's ministry (see 4:14-15; 4:34-44). kingdom of God. Jesus preached about God's reign and how sinners could receive salvation, forgiveness, and peace with God (7:48-50; see note on 4:43). The twelve. See notes on 6:13-16.

Luke 8:2-3

In addition to the twelve apostles (v. 1), several women travelled with Jesus as disciples. This was unusual in that time, but shows the basic equality of Jesus's disciples (Gal. 3:27-29). Mary. A faithful follower of Jesus, even through his death (Matt. 27:55-56), burial (23:55), and resurrection (24:1-10). She was likely called Magdalene because she was from the region of Magdala. Joanna. A wealthy woman who received the gospel. She may have been the source of Luke's information about Herod (see note on 3:1). Her inclusion also showed the extent of Jesus's ministry. Susana. Her only appearance in the Bible. provided. Jesus was poor. Some wealthy women financially supported him and his disciples during their time of travelling and teaching (see 10:7; Matt. 10:10; 1 Cor. 9:14; Gal. 6:6).

Luke 8:4

parable. A story that uses aspects of everyday life to illustrate spiritual truths.

Luke 8:5-8

Jesus described a farmer throwing seed on various kinds of soil. Each soil produced a different result. Later he explained the meaning of the parable (vv. 9-15) sow. Ancient farmers would carry a bag of seed and sow by throwing the seed by hand. rock. Several places in Israel had thin layers of limestone under the top soil.

Luke 8:8

has ears . . . let him hear. A call to respond to Jesus's teaching with faith and obedience (see 14:35; Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9).

Luke 8:10

Large crowds would often begin to follow Jesus (v. 1). However, many in the crowds were more interested in seeing miracles than receiving the gospel. Jesus quoted from Isaiah (Isa. 6:9-10) to show that parables were sometimes used to hide spiritual truth from such people. God would judge hard-hearted people who didn't listen to his word by hardening them even further (John 3:17-19; 9:39-41; Rom. 1:18-23; 9:17-18; Acts 28:26-27). Yet, Jesus revealed the secrets of the kingdom to his disciples who were eager for his teaching (v. 9, 11-15).

Luke 8:11

The word of God is the focus of the parable. As it spreads, it takes roots in human hearts, and produces the kingdom despite many obstacles (vv. 12-13).

Luke 8:12

devil. The gospel undermines Satan's influence in the world (10:18). Thus, he works against gospel preaching. heard . . . believe . . . saved. Faith comes to people who hear God's word and believe (Rom. 10:14-17).

Luke 8:13

Those who have no root have no real faith (see Matt. 7:21-23; 15:8; Jam. 2:17). All who have true faith will never fall away (Phil. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:9; Jude 1, 24).

Luke 8:14

thorns. The Old Testament often relates thorns to idols (Jer. 4:3-4). Idols do not need to be literal statues of false gods. They can be anything we love and worship more than God (see 16:13; 1 Cor. 10:6-13; Col. 3:5; 1 John 5:20-21). This is especially true of the cares and riches and pleasures of this life (see 12:22).

Luke 8:15

Those who take serious and believe the word when they hear it have real faith. SeeWLC 160; WSC 90.

Luke 8:16-18

This parable is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below). The whole purpose of lighting a lamp is to give light. In other words, Jesus' teaching is to be made known. Because his teaching is the only gospel with the power to save, and because on the judgment day nothing will be kept hidden, it is important to understand Jesus' teaching rightly. Anyone who understands the truth of his words will find that his or she keeps growing in Christ. See WLC 160.

See WLC 160.

Luke 8:16-17

Jesus's teaching was like a lamp which brings light to spiritual darkness. It revealed truth and exposed sin. This is true of all God's word (see Pss. 97:11; 112:4; 119:105; 1 John 1:5).

Luke 8:18

One must listen carefully to God's word, including Jesus's teaching (vv. 16-17). Those who hear and believe will be changed and receive more understanding (see Prov. 9:9). Those that treat God's word lightly will lose whatever understanding they had.

Luke 8:19

These brothers were the sons born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus was born (see Matt. 1:25; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; 7:3, 5; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor. 9:5; Gal. 1:19).

Luke 8:20-21

This is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below). In addition, please note that Jesus' words were not a repudiation of his earthly family (he took care of Mary even as he hung on the Cross; John 19:26-27). Rather, he was saying that the service of God is more important than anything else.

Jesus was not disparaging his family, though they did not believe he was the Christ at this point (John 7:5; see Matt. 13:57; Acts 1:14). But Jesus is clear that the true family of God is characterized by those who obey God's word (see John 15:9-11; Jam. 2:17). These verses conclude Luke's emphasis on God's Word (vv. 1-21).

Luke 8:23

This miracle is covered in detail in the Gospel of Matthew (below). The term "rebuked" is of interest. It may imply an association between the sea and evil forces (cf. Psa. 106:9; cf. Eph. 2:2).

fell asleep. A subtle reminder of Jesus's humanity (see note on 1:35). terrible windstorm. The geography of the Sea of the Galilee (v. 26) made sudden, unexpected storms common.

Luke 8:25

"Where is your faith?" After rebuking the storm (v. 24), Jesus rebuked the disciples. They followed him as a man sent from God. But they still lacked a true understanding of his person and work. Therefore, they did not fully trust him. afraid . . . amazed. Jesus's identity started to become clearer. They knew that only God commanded the seas (Pss. 65:5-7; 89:8-9; 107:1-2, 23-29). Who then is this…? A question Luke posed to his original readers. The question must be answered in every age by all who encounter Jesus through the Bible.

Luke 8:26

region of the Gerasenes. It is difficult to know exactly where this took place. Some manuscripts read "Gadarenes" here. It is best to see it as a largely Gentile area on the other side of the lake.

Luke 8:27

This miracle is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark (below). Note that in Matthew's account two demon possessed men were healed. Luke, as Mark, concentrates only on one of the men. Please note that only mentioning one does not mean there were not two. The difference is a matter of emphasis. Probably only one of these two demoniacs was exceedingly violent. Hence, Mark and Luke mentioned the one only, whereas Matthew was concerned about the double witness of the testimony (Deut. 17:6; Matt. 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19; Heb. 10:28; cf. Num. 35:30).

A Roman legion was comprised of approximately 6,000 soldiers. The Abyss is the place of confinement for evil spirits (Rev. 20:1-3). See BC 12. Note the phrases, "how much God has done for you" and "how much Jesus had done for him" (Luke 8:39).

The reader will note that Luke 8:26-39 forms a chiastic structure (a writing style that uses a unique repetition pattern for clarification and emphasis) focusing upon Jesus casting out some demons. Note that the story unfolds in a suspenseful manner. Why did these demons ask to go into the swine? We really do not know. However, perhaps they were drawn to the unclean animals because of their own filthiness. Luke had just recorded something similar (see "Fruitfulness - Luke 6:43-45" below). However, whatever their reasoning, it is clear from the text that demons had absolutely no power over their own end. They could do absolutely nothing without Jesus' permission.

A. country of the Gerasenes . . . Jesus (Luke 8:26-27)
B. a man . . . who had demons (Luke 8:27)
C. worn no clothes . . . Jesus, Son of the Most High God . . . unclean spirit . . . demon . . . kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles [out of his mind] . . . Jesus . . . demons (Luke 8:27-30)
D. depart . . . into the abyss . . . pigs (Luke 8:31-32)
E. they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission (Luke 8:33)
D'. came out . . . pigs . . . into the lake (Luke 8:33)
C'. Jesus . . . demons . . . Jesus . . . clothed . . . in his right mind (Luke 8:34-35)
B'. the demon-possessed man (Luke 8:36)
A'. country of the Gerasenes . . . Jesus (Luke 8:37-39)
i. Return to your home, and declare (Luke 8:39)
ii. how much God has done for you (Luke 8:39)
i'. he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city (Luke 8:39)
ii'. how much Jesus had done for him (Luke 8:39)

man . . . who had demons. The lifestyle of nakedness and living among the dead showed a person who had lost their senses of being a human. He was lost among the demonic influence (see note on v. 30).

Luke 8:28

The demon possessing this man recognized Jesus for who he really was. Son of the Most High God. The answer to disciples' question about Jesus, Who is this? (8:25). See note on 1:32. torment. The demons knew their fate and recognize Jesus's authority (Jam. 2:19; 1 John 3:8). However, their time of destruction had not yet come (v. 31; Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet. 2:4; Rev. 20:10).

Luke 8:29

commanded. The demon's question (8:28) was a response to Jesus's authoritative command. He had begun to command the unclean spirit to come out when it interrupted him. many times. Speaks to the longtime suffering of this man under the demons. chains and shackles . . . wilderness. Further ways the demon had disconnected this man from living a normal life (see note on 8:27).

Luke 8:30

name. Jesus is speaking to the possessed man, not the demon. Some say that Jesus needed to know the demon's name to have power over it. However, this is a pagan idea, not a biblical one. "Legion". Jesus addressed the man, but the demon responded. This is not his name so much as a description of his influence over the man. Many demons have overtaken him. The term is also militaristic and means a group of approximately 6,000 Roman soldiers. The response reveals the spiritual combat is that taking place.

Luke 8:31

abyss. A deep pit (Deut. 8:7; Ps. 71:20), the realm of confinement for the dead (Rom. 10:7), or a place the wicked and demonic (Rev. 9:1-2; 20:1-3). See note on v. 28. See BC 12.

Luke 8:32-34

In ancient Israel, pigs were considered unclean (Lev. 11:7; Deut. 14:8). This made them a fitting place for the demons. Moreover, their destruction was proof that the demons really came out of the man. Luke makes no comment on the destruction of the pigs. Though this would have caused financial harm, the man's life was more valuable (see 9:25; 12:6-7). The main point is Jesus's authority over the demons.

Luke 8:35

Jesus fully reversed the man's physical and spiritual condition (vv. 27, 29).

Luke 8:37-39

Although the people were gripped by fear the man who had been freed from the demons was filled with faith. He was willing to follow Jesus anywhere, but was called to stay and tell others of his healing. The man is a model of faith and obedience for all Jesus's disciples.

Luke 8:40

These miracles are covered in the Gospel of Mark (below).

crowd. The same Galilean crowd in 8:4, 19.

Luke 8:41

leaders of the synagogue. Respected leaders who helped organize and lead activities in the synagogue (see Acts 13:15; 18:8, 17). fell down . . . begged. A display of humble, desperate faith in Jesus.

Luke 8:43

bleeding for twelve years. The nature of her condition is uncertain. However, it would have made her ceremonially unclean (Lev. 15:25-31). She would have lived apart from the community's regular religious life and fellowship. Anyone who came in contact her would have also been unclean (Num. 5:1-4).

Luke 8:44

touched. Unlike others, Jesus was not made ceremonially unclean by the woman's touch. Instead, he brought healing to the woman.

Luke 8:45-46

During his time of earthly ministry Jesus did not exercise the fullness of his divine power (see Phil. 2:5-8).

Luke 8:47

trembling and fell down. Like Jairus (v. 41), this is evidence of her faith (v. 48).

Luke 8:48

Jesus called the woman out of the crowd to clarify what happened to her. Many were pressing in against him (vv. 42, 45), but only she was healed. Her faith in Jesus set her apart from the others. daughter. A term of affection that would have helped her feel her restoration to the community (see note on v. 43). made you well. A term which is often used for salvation. The woman's physical healing pointed to a deeper, spiritual change.

Luke 8:50

Jesus comforted Jairus and encouraged him to believe.

Luke 8:51

Peter and John and James. Three disciples who emerged as a smaller group of important leaders among the apostles (see 9:28).

Luke 8:52-53

The crowd believed that Jesus could heal the girl (vv. 40-42, 49). But they did not understand the power of Jesus even over death.

Luke 8:54

Touching a dead body made one ceremonially unclean (Num. 19:11). But, Jesus's holy power and authority reversed the direction of purification (5:13; 7:14-15). Jesus's touch sanctified and restored life.

Luke 8:55

spirit returned. A person's spirit continues to exist after death (see Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). At the command of Jesus, the girl's spirit returned to her body (see 1 Kgs 17:21-22). rose up . . . eat. Obvious evidence of the girl's restored life.

Luke 8:56

Jesus's instruction was very different from what he told the Gerasene man (v. 39). The man possessed by demons was in a Gentile area. This little girl lived in the Jewish area of Galilee. Many Jews had wrong ideas about the Christ's ministry. The miracles were signs meant to point to spiritual truths (11:14-23; Acts 2:22-36). He told the parents to tell no one so the people better listen to his gospel preaching. This would allow them to understand Jesus's life and ministry as the Christ.

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