Luke 8:1-15
Q.1. What interesting insight did Luke share about the band of followers who surrounded Jesus? – (Lk.8:1-3)
Jesus had an itinerant ministry. He moved – from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God (Lk.8:1). Though Jesus chose twelve men to be the apostles, He also had a loyal group of women who travelled with Him. They contributed to His welfare, and that of His disciples. In fact, it is obvious that some of the women were well off – and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means (Lk.8:3). These women played their part even more faithfully than did some of the more notable men. They were there at the crucifixion when most of the disciples had fled. They were there at His burial with their spices, so that they might anoint Him (Mk.15:40-41, 47-16:1). In many ways this community resembled any small healthy church.
Q.2. To whom did Jesus explain the parable of the Sower? Why did Jesus speak in parables? – (Lk.8:4-10)
Jesus shared what is often called the ‘Parable of the Sower’ with the whole crowd. However, it was to His own disciples that He explained its meaning. Jesus told them – 10 And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand (Lk.8:10). As is generally the case, a parable is an interesting story to the crowds. However, for Jesus’ followers, it requires further investigation, so that we might discover its true meaning.
Q.3. What did Jesus mean to convey by the parable? How can the parable help you to faithfully discharge your ministry? – (Lk.8:11-15)
The parables were stories that highlighted the principles of the kingdom of God. The parable of the Sower is about the Seed and the Soil. Jesus explained that – … the seed is the Word of God (Lk.8:11). The parable revealed the reasons why some seed germinates and produces a harvest, and why lots of other seed fails to achieve that purpose (Lk.8:15). Indifference and hard- heartedness, distractions and diversions, trials and losses, and the attractions and prosperity of the world, can easily prevent fruitfulness in a person’s life (Lk.8:11-14). It is God Himself Who causes the seed to take root and grow. By warning us that many seeds will not produce fruit, Jesus helps us to not take rejection personally. Instead, He encourages us to remain faithful, regardless of the response.