Luke 8 – Parables of the Kingdom and Power Over Nature
Luke 8 reveals the inner workings of the kingdom of God. Through stories, miracles, and confrontations, Jesus shows how faith takes root, overcomes fear, and brings restoration to broken lives.
Hearing, Believing, and Responding to the Word
This chapter is a call to deep faith. The seed of God’s word is sown—but it must be received. Christ’s authority is on full display—from calming storms to casting out demons and healing the desperate. It all begins with how we hear.
✔ Jesus teaches the parable of the sower.
✔ He calms the storm and rebukes the wind.
✔ He delivers the man possessed by Legion.
✔ He heals a woman with an issue of blood.
✔ He raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead.
📖 Luke 8:25 – “And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.”
🔎 Luke 8 calls us to listen well, believe deeply, and trust fully in the power of the Word made flesh.
Luke Chapter 8 - Overview
Luke 8:1–15 – The Parable of the Sower and the Good Ground
📖 Luke 8:5 – “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.”
🔎 The Word of God is the seed—but the heart determines its harvest. Jesus isn’t just telling a farming story—He’s exposing the unseen battle between truth and resistance. The same message is preached to all, but not all respond equally. Some hearts are hardened by pride, others distracted by worldly cares, and others worn down by trials. Only hearts tilled by repentance and softened by surrender can nurture the Word to full growth. The parable reveals that spiritual fruit is not a matter of chance—but choice, preparation, and perseverance.
📖 Luke 8:11 – “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”
🔎 Jesus defines His terms. Every seed has potential—but only the heart prepared by faith, humility, and surrender bears fruit.
📖 Luke 8:15 – “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
🔎 Good soil isn’t flashy—it’s faithful. The Word needs more than hearing; it requires holding, enduring, and allowing transformation over time.
Luke 8:16–21 – Light, Obedience, and True Family
📖 Luke 8:16 – “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel… but setteth it on a candlestick.”
🔎 The truth we receive must be revealed. Faith isn’t private. God calls His people to shine in dark places.
📖 Luke 8:18 – “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.”
🔎 Jesus emphasizes spiritual attentiveness. It’s not just about hearing—it’s about how we hear. Active faith listens, responds, and grows.
📖 Luke 8:21 – “My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.”
🔎 Spiritual family isn’t defined by blood, but by obedience. Those who follow God’s voice become His household.
Luke 8:22–25 – Jesus Calms the Storm
📖 Luke 8:24 – “Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.”
🔎 Jesus doesn’t panic—He speaks. The One who created the seas commands them with authority. His word stills the storm.
📖 Luke 8:25 – “Where is your faith?”
🔎 The question pierces deeper than the waves. Storms reveal the state of our trust. Do we believe He is present and powerful—even when it looks like He’s sleeping?
Luke 8:26–39 – The Demoniac Delivered
📖 Luke 8:30 – “And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.”
🔎 The man is consumed by darkness—but Jesus asks his name. Christ sees the person, not just the possession. He restores identity.
📖 Luke 8:35 – “Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.”
🔎 True deliverance transforms the whole person—body, mind, and soul. Yet not everyone rejoices. Some fear what they cannot control.
📖 Luke 8:39 – “Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.”
🔎 The healed man becomes a missionary. He wasn’t allowed to follow Jesus physically, but was commissioned to witness locally.
Luke 8:40–56 – Healing and Resurrection
📖 Luke 8:44 – “Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.”
🔎 Her touch was desperate—but full of faith. She believed in His power when others pressed in without purpose.
📖 Luke 8:48 – “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”
🔎 Jesus honors personal faith. He doesn’t just heal—He restores identity, calling her daughter.
📖 Luke 8:50 – “Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.”
🔎 Jesus speaks life into Jairus’ fear. Faith walks past the mourners. God’s timing may delay, but His power never fails.
📖 Luke 8:54–55 – “And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway.”
🔎 Resurrection power moves through the quiet command of Christ. He doesn’t just save from death—He speaks life itself.
Luke Chapter 8 - Deeper Study
Overview: The Word Received and Faith Revealed
🔹 Timeframe: During Jesus’ early Galilean ministry.
🔹 Setting: Various villages, the sea, countryside, and homes.
🔹 Theme: Faith, obedience, and the power of God’s Word.
🔹 Connection to Future Events: The parables and miracles foreshadow the deeper spiritual reception (and rejection) of Jesus’ message.
Key Takeaways
🔑 Good soil produces lasting fruit—it starts with how we hear.
🔑 Faith shines; it’s not meant to be hidden.
🔑 Jesus rules nature, demons, disease, and death.
🔑 A single touch of faith can transform a life.
🔑 Real faith follows even when afraid.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 The calming of the storm echoes Psalm 107:29.
🔮 The healed demoniac mirrors Isaiah 61:1–3—freedom for the oppressed.
🔮 The parables reflect Isaiah 6:9–10—hearing, but not understanding.
🔮 The healing of the woman echoes Malachi 4:2—“healing in his wings.”
Historical & Cultural Context
📜 Sowing was done by hand; the audience understood the analogy well.
📜 Touching a woman with an issue of blood made one ceremonially unclean—Jesus reverses impurity.
📜 Tombs were dwelling places for the demon-possessed and the outcast.
📜 Professional mourners were common, emphasizing the shock of Jesus raising the dead.
💡 Final Reflection: How Do You Hear the Word?
Luke 8 asks not just what you hear—but how you respond. Will the Word be stolen, scorched, or choked? Or will it take root and bear fruit?
📌 Is your heart good soil—ready to receive and grow?
📌 Will you reach in faith like the bleeding woman—or recoil in fear like the crowd?
📌 Are you following Jesus into the storm—and trusting Him to calm it?
📖 Luke 8:48 – “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”
🔥 When His Word enters deeply—life, healing, and purpose follow.
Women Accompanying Jesus
Luk 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Luk 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Luk 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
The Parable of the Sower
Luk 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
Luk 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Luk 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
Luk 8:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
Luk 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
The Purpose of the Parables
Luk 8:9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
Luk 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Luk 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luk 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Luk 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Luk 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
A Lamp Under a Jar
Luk 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luk 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luk 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
Luk 8:19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
Luk 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
Luk 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Jesus Calms a Storm
Luk 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
Luk 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
Luk 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
Luk 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
Luk 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
Luk 8:27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
Luk 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
Luk 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
Luk 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
Luk 8:31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
Luk 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
Luk 8:33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
Luk 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
Luk 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
Luk 8:36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
Luk 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
Luk 8:38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Luk 8:39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’s Daughter
Luk 8:40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
Luk 8:41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
Luk 8:42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
Luk 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
Luk 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
Luk 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
Luk 8:46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
Luk 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
Luk 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luk 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
Luk 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Luk 8:51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
Luk 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
Luk 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
Luk 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
Luk 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
Luk 8:56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Date Written
Around 60-62 AD
Written By
Luke the physician
Language
Greek
Verses
56