Luke 8

Read Luke 8 here or click on the speaker icon to listen.

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​In this chapter, Luke makes a point – God makes a point – to document women who traveled with and served with Jesus and His disciples. This was radical at the time when women were seen as inferior. Rabbis generally refused to teach women. But among Jesus’ closest group, women were serving with Him and serving Him. They were active contributors in sharing the good news. Jesus didn’t NEED them there; Jesus WANTED them there. It was unparalleled in ancient history, breaking all of the cultural molds. It is a reminder that we are all deeply loved and valued by God. We all – women and men – were created in His image and likeness. All of us. You matter. Jesus wants YOU on His team, serving with Him and serving Him.
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With a great crowd gathered around, Jesus tells another parable. This one about a sower sowing his seed. Some of these particular seeds fell along the path, were trampled on and then devoured by birds. Some fell on rock and grew for a while, but eventually died from lack of water. Some fell among thorns, eventually chocking the plant. And some fell on good soil, growing and yielding an impressive harvest.

So many parables…His disciples ask why and what the parable means. Jesus describes the importance of where we plant our seeds…in this case, the word of God. Is it not even planted in our hearts and minds, and quickly snatched by the devil? Is it initially received with joy, but without root in relationship with God, and destroyed at the first hint of testing? Is it planted but co-existing with the cares, riches, and pleasures of life, making the fruit unable to mature? Or is planted in good soil, watered, tended to, and bearing much fruit in patience?

The Bible talks a lot about seasonal rhythms…planting, watering, waiting, reaping. Where we plant our seed matters; we reap what we sow and invest time in. Are we rooted in God’s truth and growing in our knowledge of His word and our relationship with Him?

Jesus says that a lamp is to be shown, not covered or hidden.  And speaking of hidden, He says nothing remains hidden…even secrets come to light.

Jesus performs more miracles…calming storms and healing people. From the wealthy esteemed ruler with the dying twelve-year-old to the poor shunned outcast who had been bleeding twelve years. One with a word and the other from a simple touch of His garment…both fully healed.

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Two wildly different people,
their stories interwoven.
By cultural standards,
they would never have spoken.
One has it all:
wealth, resources, power.
The other has nothing,
barely hanging on hour to hour.
One approaches boldly,
in confidence, he comes.
The other comes discreetly,
hoping to attract the attention of none.
But more in common
than any on the outside know;
they are desperate for Jesus
and not ashamed to let it show.
No other options,
a last-ditch resort,
this Jesus, the healer,
to Him, they report.
A child, 12, dying,
a father’s nightmare,
A woman bleeding,
for that many years.
If only a word
or even a touch,
We need you, Jesus.
WE NEED YOU SO MUCH!
The crowds are so thick,
so noisy and pressing.
We have to get through,
we have faith in a blessing.
The woman lunges forward
before the crowds close in.
She makes contact,
though only the hem.
She feels it instantly,
fully healed and whole.
By His sudden reaction,
She knows that He knows.
“Who touched me,” He asks.
The air becomes thick.
To her knees, she collapses.
Please, let this stick.
“You’ve been made well
on account of your belief.”
She has never known
such indescribable relief.
But the joy interrupted
with troubling news:
Jairus’ daughter is dead;
it’s just no use.
Do not fear,
you need only believe.
Come with me,
a miracle you will see.
“Talitha cumi.”
“Little girl, Arise.”
Today is for living,
no one will die.
I wonder who else
needs to hear these words?
Arise, dear believer.
Your faith is a cure.
It makes no difference
your family name.
In the eyes of Jesus,
we are all the same.