Luke 8:16-25
Q.1. Why did Jesus share this parable? What should be the value and function of light in the life of every person? – (Lk.8:16-18)
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus applied this same parable this way – Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Mt.5:16). Here He brought out further truths: (i) One day all secrets will be made known, when we stand before the One Who is the Light (Lk.8:17). (ii) He also applied it, by speaking not just about eyes seeing the Light, but also about ears hearing the Truth (Lk.8:18). Jesus is both the Light of the World, and the Truth (c.f. Jn.8:12; 14:6). In applying the parable, Jesus warned – Take care HOW you listen; For whoever has, to him more shall be given; Whoever does not have, even what he THINKS he has shall be taken away … (Lk.8:18). Only a few people actually perceive the truth.
Q.2. Whom did Jesus consider to be His true family? Why? How can this bring encouragement to you? – (Lk.8:19-21)
It seems that early in Jesus’ ministry, His siblings may have persuaded even Mary that He had become deluded (c.f. Mk.3:21; Jn.7:3-5). It is therefore possible that this is the reason why they were looking for Him (Lk.8:19-20). Jesus took the opportunity to distinguish between the natural family and His Spiritual family, which He defined as – these who hear the word of God and do it (Lk.8:21). Sadly, not all our earthly family members are part of God’s everlasting family. It is a blessing to know that we have been engrafted into a large international family from throughout the ages, who have been lovers and doers of the Word of God.
Q.3. Why did Jesus lead His disciples into a storm? What did the disciples learn about the true nature of Jesus? – (Lk.8:22-25)
Why did the disciples, including four experienced fishermen, go out into a storm? It was because Jesus had said – Let us go over to the other side of the lake (Lk.8:22). The storm was so fierce that it threatened to sink their boat (Lk.8:23-24). When Jesus stilled the storm by His command, it began to dawn on the disciples that He was no ordinary man. They were amazed that He could – … command even the winds and the water, and they obey Him (Lk.8:25). The incident proved that Jesus is Lord over nature. The disciples should not have been afraid, because Jesus had led them into the storm, and He had the power to control it. However, sometimes we too find it hard to remember that Jesus is sovereign over all our circumstances, and that God is a good God.