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Luke Chapter 8

  • Bible Study on Luke 

    Luke Chapter 8


    >> Click Here For Audio Version << 
     

    Luke 8 Outline:
    8:1-3      Women contribute to the ministry of Jesus.
    8:4-15    The parable of the Sower.
    8:16-18  The parable of the lamp and the cover.
    8:19-21  The mother and brothers of Jesus seek Him out.
    8:22-25  The calming of the storm.
    8:26-39  The Gerasene demoniac.
    8:40-41  Jairus comes to Jesus with a request.
    8:42-48  The woman with the hemorrhage touches Jesus.
    8:49-56  Jairus’ daughter is raised from death.

    Fun Facts:
    — Matthew 13 contains the largest collection of Jesus’ parables.
    — There was an inner circle of Peter, James, and John that were with Jesus at special times. They were with Him when He resurrected the daughter of Jairus. They were on the Mount of Transfiguration. 

    Study Notes:
    The women that followed Jesus:
    — Luke 8:1: Jesus goes on a preaching tour through cities and villages now preaching in open air to all that would listen. There is no mention of synagogues and it could be because of the increasing jealousy and hostility of the religious leaders there. 

    — The rabbis refused to teach women who were usually uneducated and given an inferior place. Jesus included them, taught them and they followed Him and supported His ministry (8:3). Jesus included the ones that the synagogue rejected. His ministry following was built of outcasts. 

    — The Gospels do not record a woman ever taking action against Jesus, all of His enemies were men.

    — The ministry of Jesus was supported by those that followed Him, out of their own possessions. This is interesting as the scripture tells us that they shared a common purse, they bought food, they helped the poor, but no one else mentions where the money came from. Luke said that it came from His followers (8:3). It would have been great to sow into that ministry…

    — The text mentions Mary, who was called Magdalene, which refers to a place and means “of Magdala.” Jesus delivered her of seven demons that lived inside of her. Though many have a vision of Mary being a beautiful sinful woman that Jesus saved from a life of immorality, there is nothing in the text that says that. It infers more of mental or physical disorder. We do not have to act on the bad thoughts living inside of you, though it seems a part of we would like to. The Lord can set us free from it. 

    — Do demons still make their habitat in people? Yep.

    The Parable of the Sower:
    — The Palestinian sower would sow the seed first, then plough the ground, burying the seed. 

    — The seed that was sown along the road would not have been plowed and the birds would eat it. Jesus said that these were the ones that “heard” the word, but took no action on it and the enemy came and took the word from their heart so they would not believe it or be saved. Hearers, but not doers. 

    — The seed that fell upon rock would have no depth of soil to grow in. When the sun got hot, it would wither. Jesus said that these would be ones that received the word with joy, but had no deep roots. When trials or temptation comes, they would fall away.

    — The seed that fell among thorns: weeds and thorns grow faster than crops and will block the sunlight. Jesus said that these represent the ones have heard the word, have potential and really mean to do it, but the cares of this world, riches and the pleasures of life choke it and they never bear fruit. 

    — Some seed fell on good ground and brought forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty and some a hundred fold. Jesus said that this represents those that have an honest and good heart, who hear the word and hold to it tightly, and bring forth fruit with patience.

    — Everyone heard the word, but there were so many different reactions to it. 75%, or 3 out of 4, brought forth nothing at all because they were not serious about it, or too busy. Even those that were considered good ground brought forth varying levels of return. A very small amount managed to bring the hundred fold. It makes you think. 

    The Parable of the lamp:
    — Lamps are meant to give light and not be hidden. To hide a lamp would be to defeat its purpose. The followers of Jesus must let their light shine and not be ashamed of it. Even a small light is bright in darkness. Jesus gave a clear warning that whoever is ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of when He returns (Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26). Stand firm in your faith and do not hide it. 

    — (18) To who has, more will be given: If we use what God has given us, gifts, talents, resources, then it will increase. If we do not then it will be taken away. Compare with the parable of the ten servants in Luke 19:12. 

    The family of Jesus seek Him out:
    — The mother of Jesus and His brothers came to see Jesus but could not get to Him because of the crowd of people around Him. The family sort of had a claim to Jesus and hints of possessiveness. Jesus explained that His family was now the family of God, and that those that hear the word of God and do it. His duty to God came first in His life, even before family, not family before God. 

    Jesus calmed the storm:
    — (Luke 8:22) As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, Jesus slept and a storm came down on them. Jesus was a man and slept just like us. When the boat started to sink, they woke Jesus up and He rebuked the storm and it became calm. Jesus had power over nature. How did He use this power: He spoke the words in faith and things happened. Jesus implied that they should have trusted Him and not been terrified with “Where is your faith?” You never see fear and faith working together, they always work against each other and you will have one or the other. 

    The Gerasene demoniac:
    — When they landed on shore, they were met by a naked man with great strength who often broke the chains that held him. When Jesus asked his name, he replied “Legion.” Now a Roman legion was about 6,000 soldiers. There were “many” demons in this man. When Jesus told them to come out, they asked Him to not send them into the “Abyss”  (Rev 20:1) which is a place of confinement for spirits where satan himself will go. Rather than live without a body (Matt 12:43), they asked Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs grazing near by. When a spirit is without a body, it has no rest. The pigs rushed down a steep bank and were drowned in the sea. The man and the town were freed from the demons and he was instructed to share what God had done for him, share his testimony. Everyone knew this man had been demon possessed, and now he was delivered. It would be a powerful witness to the power of God and the ministry of Jesus to those that knew him, a bit like us.  

    The daughter of Jairus:
    — Matthew 9:18, Mark 5:21, Luke 8:40 cover the story of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue and orchestrated the synagogue services, like who would lead in prayer, read the Scriptures and preach. He was a leader in the community and he prostrated himself before Jesus. His daughter was about twelve years old and dying and Jairus asked Jesus to come and heal her. Jesus went, but on the way a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years reached out and touched the hem of His cloak and was instantly healed. She said in herself, “If I could just touch Him I would be healed.” She did, and she was. Her faith in the supreme power of God healed her body. Her issue would have been embarrassing to share. It was an “unspoken” request. Yet Jesus had her share her testimony of what had happened after she was healed. Personal testimony is powerful. It is interesting that the girl was twelve years old and the woman had been suffering for twelve years. 

    Jesus went on to the house of Jairus and only allowed three of His disciples to come in with Him, Peter, James and John. Jesus said that the girl merely slept though she was cold as stone dead and everyone ridiculed Him. Death to people is no more than sleep to Jesus; it is not a permanent state. When He took her by the hand and spoke, her spirit returned and she rose up.


    Jesus heals a demon possessed man near the sea of galilee


    Study Questions: (if your answers are very long, you may want to type them first in something like Word or Notepad, which doesn't require an Internet connection, then copy and paste (Ctrl-A to select, Ctrl-V to copy, Ctrl-V to paste), to prevent mishaps.  Also, there is a 3K character limit, so if they are super long, feel free to post more than once, and just answer a couple of questions at a time. Also, you are welcome to post any questions you may have. We look forward to your thoughts!)

    1. In the parable of the sower, Jesus described several scenarios that could happen when hearing the word of God. Each day provides opportunities for us to apply God’s word, both through scripture and His daily direction. How can we better prepare ourselves to be the “good soil” that will hold onto His guidance and bear mature fruit?

    2. The parable of the lamp encourages us to let our light shine for all to see. Consider the “light” that the Lord has given to each of us through His scripture, His daily guidance, the gifts He has given us, the experiences and testimonies He has allowed us to have, etc. In what ways can we better shine our light for those around us?

    3. When Jesus and the disciples were caught in a storm, the Lord was calm enough to be able to sleep through it and even rebuked His disciples for panicking. We are all taken through the storms of life at times. Financial difficulties, family strife, illnesses and even the death of loved ones, can all take their toll. What are the qualities in Jesus that allowed him to stay at rest during the storm and even to stop the winds? In what way can we nurture those qualities in ourselves?

    4. In the country of Gerasenes, Jesus freed a man from a legion of demons that tormenting him. Likewise, in Luke 8:2, it was written that Mary Magdalene had been freed from seven demons. What are your thoughts on the modern-day application of these situations?

    5. The woman with the discharge of blood was healed immediately upon touching Jesus’ garment. The Lord declared that it was her faith that had made her well. In the crowd, there were many who were also touching Him at the same time. What was it about this woman that made her different and what can we learn from her?


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34 comments
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 1)-We can bear good fruit, if we are willing to use what God has given us to help others, whether it is through out talents or through just fixing a meal for someone, being there for someone in need, praying for people and just caring about others. We must be as Jesus was, about His Father's business, helping and loving others.
June 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
Lucas Napo
Lucas Napo 1. By making a quite time for prayer and praise
June 1, 2015
  • 0
Lucas Napo
Lucas Napo 2. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and heed. Everyday we are given the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the lost. The Lord is seeing that which was lost, we carry the message and the light of salvation
June 1, 2015
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Lorna Smetak
Lorna Smetak By being prepared in the knowledge of the word and then sharing the gospel  with others. Walking in love, kindness and forgiveness no matter what you may endure from others that are around you. Avoid temptations that may lead us astray.
June 1, 2015
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Lorna Smetak
Lorna Smetak By showing love and kindness. Our actions (works) shows more of our light than anything else. Knowing that his father would always be with him no matter what he was going through. We should also know that he also is with us no matter how strong of a storm that we may go through. 4.) Modern day situations. So many people always put the trust in doctors to solve situation instead of faith and prayer. Some believe that it was the doctor that controlled the outcome but to me it is always the will of the Lord that is the outcome. 5.) I think that her strong faith and knowing that she would be healed. I don't think that the others had just as strong of faith as she did. With faith all things are possible with the Lord.
June 1, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady 1.Setting aside time each day to worship our Lord, is vital. Asking Him to keep our feet on the right path. 2. To better shine our light we should be comfortable talking about Jesus. It bears witness to our faith. 3. We need to have stronger faith as Jesus did. 4. Jesus still has the power to rid people of demons. Faithful prayer can save these lost souls. 5. The women with the discharge had faith that gave her the strength to fight through the crowd just to touch his garment.  She knew He could do what the others had failed to do, He had the power to heal her!
June 1, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor!
June 1, 2015
  • 0
Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin Q1 - read and study his word,for better understanding... we perish for lack of knowledge. Q2- Tell our story, as hard as it may be. I prefer not to hear the holier than thou people. I want to know people got from point A to point Z  Q3- Faith and He knew who he was. It is hard to shake me when I know that I know the truth. God is power and we are powerful through him. I take 10 deep breaths and  I practice standing in his power, trust in him. Q4-  I remember that-All power is accessible to me if I believe. Q5- Have faith in all things. all things work for our good in the end if we beleive.
June 2, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 2) I feel we can let our lights shine brighter for Jesus, just by being whom God made you to be.  Shine like if Jesus was right there, and you wanted to please Him with all your heart. Let others see Jesus in you without even having to say a word. Be a walking testimony, even when we can't talk to someone, just let that lamp burn bright through the life you live and the way you treat others.
June 2, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member This is so important to our spiritual life and our life in general, because it gives us strength from reading the Bible and praying and praising Him in all things.
June 2, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander I wish to say Thank you Pastor Todd and 1st Lady Sylvia for this Bible Study. This is my first time on it due to my crazy schedule. I really enjoy it and especially the audio version choice because being visually impaired sometimes all the reading can irritate my eyes so Thank you for that option. May God continue to Bless RHM. Q#1: we can be Good soil not only by staying in His word, but by Adhering to it as well. Q#2: When we are walking in Love we are therefore letting our Light shine before men. I love to meditate on 1Corithians 13:4-8 Q#5: The woman with the issue of Blood had determined Faith. She wasn't going to leave as she came. She had the Faith of a mustard seed, pressed onward, and wasn't going to stop until she accomplished what she set out to do which was touch the hem of Jesus garment.
June 2, 2015
  • 0
Cheryl Hebert
Cheryl Hebert Hi everyone...sorry I've missed some of the Bible Studies, but will be reviewing them as I can! Luke Chapter 8 - My Views A (1)    We must stay in God’s Word to read, study, listen, and obey;  we must assemble with fellow believers to hear God’s Word and be encouraged.   A (2)    For me, choose my words, carefully. Only let HIS love flow through with HIS Word and encouragement of HIS Son, JESUS CHRIST!  Keep my opinions out of it!   A (3)    Faith!!!!  I allow my flesh to flare up to easily in a trial.  Working on this, with the help of the Lord!   A (4)    God is the same yesterday, today and forever. We were told by Jesus that by using HIS Name, we STILL TODAY have the power to cast our demons…Do we believe???  Do we have enough faith to do what HE said we could?  Now, those are the questions!   A (5)    This woman was not even supposed to be in public.  She was considered unclean..But God!  She believed so whole-heartedly that Jesus could heal her, she stepped out in Faith and HE did heal her!
June 2, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles 1) By keeping close to God in prayer, study, and conduct. 2) We can shine our light bright by remembering to be Gods hands and feet. By showing kindness always,lending a hand when needed, living a life filled with Grace for others and always remembering to show Gods love.
June 3, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles 3) Strong  and unwaving Faith in Gods promise for a hope and a future. A work in progress always for me. While I have faith That God walks with me in the storms of life< I still waver and question "why me" when the struggles begin. I know why... I just grow weary of the never ending tests of faith, thankfully, God knows and strengthens me so I can remember to seek to find the rainbows and blessings even through the storm.
June 3, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles 4) I believe by calling on the name of Jesus and having faith  all things are possible in God. So I do believe  demons can be rejected by having faith.
June 3, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles It was her intent, she new if she just touched his garment she would be healed. Jesus felt his healing power being intentionally used, by her faith she was made well. We can learn to stay strong in the faith that no matter what we struggling with today, God is faithful to help those who ask in full faith. Thank you for the wonderful study, what a great reminder to stand strong in faith no matter what we are going through. Stay blessed
June 3, 2015
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Lucille Jordan
Lucille Jordan 1. By continuing to study and applying what we have learned. 2. We have to be sure that we are being Christ like in our day to day lives, not by words but deeds. 3. If we have faith that Our Father is watching and cares about every aspect of our lives, though we may be unhappy about what is happening we know that it will be well. 4. We have been given power over all demons and they cannot harm us once we are covered by The Blood of Jesus, I would stay away from them but if I have to face them, I will because greater is He that is in me than all of their forces combined. 5. The woman with the issue of blood was healed immediately upon touching Jesus’ garment because of her faith,  we have to  pray to develop that kind of faith and know that when we ask in faith He will hear us and deliver. W
June 4, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 3), I feel Jesus knew that His Father had everything under control and there was nothing to fear, so He could lay down and rest. To me I learn from this to be more trusting and not to fear, because fear is from satan. As long as I put my trust in Jesus, He will take care of me. Thank you for asking this question, it truly made we realize how much I have been learning to trust Jesus more and more, but I do know I have a long way to go, not because I don't think Jesus will take care of me, but the human in me has trouble trusting sometimes. But truly in the end i know all will be well. Jesus has got me in the palm of His Hands. 
June 4, 2015- Edit- Delete
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J D  Williams
J D Williams #2.WE MUST BE LIVING EXAMPLES IN OUR WORDS AND IN OUR DEEDS WE MAY VERY WELL BE THE ONE THAT MAY LEAD SOMEONE TO CHRIST...
June 5, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 4) I know whatever it takes Jesus can cast out demons, through His servants that are prayed up and ready, because I believe if you try to cast out demons and your own life is not exactly what God wants it to be or you have sin in your life, that the demons, being cast out will find their way to something or someone to re-enter.
June 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 5) The women that was healed knew if she could but touch just the hem of His garment she would be healed, because she fully trusted and believed if only I can just but touch His garment, even if I can't touch Him or He can't lay hands on me, that He will still heal me. If we could have faith like that, even when we can't see Jesus or we can't feel Him in our hearts, we just have to have the faith, that He is right there to help us in anyway we need it. If only we could have her faith, amazing. I pray my faith will become so strong that I too, if only I can but reach out to Jesus even with only my hearts prayers, He will listen and heal and make all things whole. Thank You Jesus
June 5, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield The BEST way to prepare myself to be "good dirt" (LOL--I couldn't resist!) is: #1: To read the Bible every morning #2 Read the devotional sent by Pastor Todd right HERE! I actually look forward to them and my day is skewed if I have an early appointment and can't read the daily devotion! #3 Recite the Rosary. Mary is NOT more important than Jesus, Her Son. However, She has interceded for me in so many ways; I owe it to Her to spread Her devotion among all those I know---and even those I never met, thanks to modern technology!Blessings, Kathy
June 6, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Question 2: By being a good example and allowing the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit to "shine" upon all I have contact with! People notice generosity, charity, chastity, faithfulness,gentleness, joy, kindness, modesty,patience,peace and self control! (Especially when I have an ex husband who often provokes me; I now walk away instead of fighting back).
June 6, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Question 3: Jesus TRUSTED in His Father, our God! By trusting in God to get us through difficulties, we are letting God know how much we depend and believe in Him.For God can do for us what we can't do for ourselves--that is why the "12 Step Programs" work so well! Those with addictions simply surrender to God (or, a "Higher Power") and put their utmost trust in God.With God, ALL things are possible! I am proof of that; supposedly, there was no way I could conceive as I suffered from anorexia and bulimia since I was 14. So BOTH my kids are miracle babies!
June 6, 2015
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Daryl Donerson
Daryl Donerson Q1- By making sure we spent time with God daily- Reading God's Word, in prayer, and devotion. Follow what God spoke to Joshua in Joshua !:8 .
June 6, 2015
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Daryl Donerson
Daryl Donerson Q2- By walking in obedience to God will show the light that God has giving us. Our Character, Attitude, and the way we respond to different situations and our love for others is a way to let our light shine for others.
June 6, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider The demon question is the most difficult for me. I think a couple that i know, who are totally and completely self absorbed....even to the point of not caring for their sons, except as farm workers, may be demon possessed. They are beyond understanding... As cold as ice. They are not normal loving parents or friends. I pray for them as i know they are not Christians and even ridicule others for believing.
June 10, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, all we can do is pray for those who are being held captive by the enemy. 
June 10, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider I pray for them everyday.i know their parents were Christians because they make fun of them...so maybe the seed was planted! I pray for them to have insight into their lives.
June 11, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, I join with you in your prayer, Julie!
June 11, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider My husband and i are throughly enjoying the Bible Study.....we read and then listen which is perfect! We may not always respond to the study questions like we should but we discuss them with each other and our family and friends. This is such a wonderful service...Thank you so very much!
June 11, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you, Julie, that's great that you and your husband are going through it together :). We appreciate the feedback! It's valuable when people participate in the study questions, but we mainly like to know that people are even reading it and if it has value to them. Comments are about the only way to tell, so thank you :)!
June 11, 2015
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Barney D'Angelo
Barney D'Angelo I am really enjoying the Bible study. I started at the beginning of Luke and I am catching up. I love this ministry. God be with you and work thru you.
September 3, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd Thank you Barney, I am glad that you are enjoying it. I am as well. 
September 3, 2015