Luke Chapter 8

Women Ministered to Jesus:
(Read Luke 8:1-21)
Jesus’ ministry was very extensive in Galilee.  But only a portion of those who heard responded to the gospel. A true disciple is the person who believes in Christ and follows him. Jesus was accompanied by a number of women who ministered to his needs from their resources (8:2-3).  Women were the first to contribute towards Jesus’ need.  The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are the same (Matthew 26:29; 16:28; Colosians 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:18).  John the Baptist preached that “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mat 3:2).  Jesus said the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21).  It is a spiritual experience today (Matthew 13:11; Romans 14:17).  The kingdom of God will be fully realized at Christ’s second coming (Revelation 11:15). In the parable of the sower, Jesus shows the various responses of people to the gospel.  Those who hear the gospel and respond will ultimately prove to be disciples of Jesus. Only a prepared and fertile heart bears fruit (Luke 8:15). The wayside soil is the picture of a hardened heart. The rocky ground is the picture of superficial and emotional response to the gospel. The thorny ground is the picture of a strangled heart. He is a double minded man. He is choked by the cares of the world. The true Christian is the one who holds to the gospel with a fertile heart of repentance. The Lord searches the heart and transforms it by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This does not mean that he is morally perfect or free from the pollution of sin.  There is no secret discipleship. True Christians will grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. They grow spiritually and produce spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). They are not professing Christians but possessing Christians.
 
Jesus Calms the Storm:
(Read Luke 8:22-56)
By walking on the water, Jesus demonstrated his power over natural elements and proved his deity to his disciples. Also by allowing disciples to teach them that he is the Son of God who  can calm the storm as God did in the past (Psalms 107:22-30).  We often try to put Jesus in a box but through the miracles he was teaching new lessons to his disciples. In the healing of the Demon-possessed man we see Christ’s compassion and power. Jesus went to the gentile region to heal a single demoniac to teach that how precious each soul to God.  Jesus is the Savior of the world.   Once the demoniac was causing injury to others.  Christ graciously delivered him from spiritual, physical and mental bondages.  He was sent home to share what Christ had done for him.  When disciples failed to identify Jesus, the demoniac confessed him Son of the Most High God. Those who know the greatness of Christ will desire to share about him to others.  To know more read notes on Matthew 8:23-34. In the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the healing of the women with an incurable hemorrhage, we see Christ’s compassion for those who suffer in this broken world.  Also it teaches the importance of faith.  Jesus raised the girl from the dead.  She got up and walked so no one could doubt this miracle. Like Jairus and the bleeding woman, we should bring our requests to Jesus.  He is able and willing to heal us.  Suffering does not hinder the work of God's kingdom.  The ministry of healing often helps the furtherance of the gospel. Those who trust Christ will experience his transforming work. Only Christ can bring complete and perfect healing of all brokenness and sorrow in the world. Pray for those who are suffering and for their salvation. To know more read notes on Mark 5:21-43.