September 20, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 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,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
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.
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
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.
9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
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.
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
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.
19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
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.
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.
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.)
30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
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.
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.
34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
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.
36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
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.
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,
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.
40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
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:
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.
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,
44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
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?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
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.
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
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.
50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
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.
52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Luke chapter 8 provides a comprehensive overview of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, ranging from the proclamation of the Gospel to numerous healings and miracles. The section highlights the role of the women who supported Jesus, the parable of the sower, the importance of faith, and Jesus’ authority over nature and illness. The chapter underscores the profound significance of faith in people’s lives and demonstrates how Jesus permeates both the physical and spiritual worlds.
Commentary
In Luke 8, we encounter a series of significant events and teachings of Jesus that offer deeper insights into His mission and His relationship with His followers.
Women as Jesus’ Supporters (Verses 1-3): Here, it becomes evident that alongside the twelve disciples, women played a central role in Jesus’ ministry. These women, who had experienced deliverance from evil spirits and diseases, provided material support to Jesus. Their mention highlights the importance Jesus placed on them and brings to the forefront the presence and role of women in early Christianity.
The Parable of the Sower (Verses 4-15): Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the different ways people respond to the Word of God. The seed symbolizes the Word of God, while the soil represents the hearts of individuals. Some people receive it only superficially, while others internalize it and bear fruit. The parable emphasizes the importance of a patient and open heart.
The Light and the Responsibility of Hearing (Verses 16-18): Jesus employs the metaphor of light to show that the Word of God should not remain hidden. Every believer is responsible for spreading the truth and not concealing the light of faith.
Jesus’ True Family (Verses 19-21): Jesus emphasizes that those who hear and act upon God’s Word are His true family. This underscores spiritual kinship over biological relationships.
Calming the Storm (Verses 22-25): In this narrative, Jesus is portrayed as one who has authority over nature. His disciples, despite His presence, become fearful, prompting Jesus to question their faith. This event highlights the necessity of steadfast faith, even in times of great uncertainty.
Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man (Verses 26-39): This story demonstrates Jesus’ power over demonic forces. The man, tormented by a legion of demons, is freed through Jesus’ authority. Interestingly, the healed man asks to follow Jesus, but Jesus sends him back to testify in his hometown—a mission to proclaim the Gospel.
Healing of the Bleeding Woman and the Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Verses 40-56): These two miracles further illustrate the central role of faith. The woman is healed through her faith, and Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead when Jesus assures him to believe. Both stories emphasize the life-giving power of faith.
Summary
Luke chapter 8 illustrates the wide range of Jesus’ teachings and actions. It shows how Jesus heals people physically and spiritually, proclaims the Word of God, and emphasizes faith as the key to healing and salvation. From the women who supported Him to the miraculous healings He performed, the chapter demonstrates Jesus’ deep compassion and divine authority. The message of this chapter urges the reader to have a fruitful heart that receives the Word of God and patiently bears fruit.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 63—“Thy King Cometh”
This chapter is based on Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 63 highlights the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, based on the accounts from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It represents the moment when Jesus is publicly recognized as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 becomes clear. The events are filled with jubilation, hope, and deep misunderstandings about the true nature of Jesus’ mission. The contrast between the people’s joy and Jesus’ personal sorrow over Jerusalem’s fate adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Commentary
The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is a significant event that seamlessly aligns with the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Zechariah 9:9 foretold the arrival of a humble king on a donkey, and this moment is now fully realized in its splendor. Jesus, who had long refused royal honors, now allows himself to be celebrated as the Messiah. This not only reveals his self-identification as King but also his conscious preparation for the forthcoming sacrifice.
The crowd accompanying Jesus is filled with great enthusiasm. They see him as an earthly deliverer who will overthrow Roman rule and restore the Kingdom of Israel. This misunderstanding illustrates how much the people failed to grasp the true nature of Jesus’ mission. They expected a political ruler, but Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual. While the crowd shouts “Hosanna,” Jesus feels deep sorrow, knowing the suffering that awaits both him and Jerusalem. This tension between the people’s joy and Jesus’ grief over the city’s hardened heart makes this passage so poignant.
Particularly significant is the moment when Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. Despite the jubilation surrounding him, he knows that the city will not accept the true salvation. The prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction and the symbolic meaning of this event are central to understanding Jesus’ mission: He came to save, but many rejected him.
Summary
Chapter 63 describes the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, accompanied by the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah. While the crowd rejoices in anticipation of an earthly king, Jesus is deeply moved as he foresees the suffering awaiting Jerusalem. His entry marks the beginning of the final phase of his life, in which he will offer himself as the Savior of the world. The events illustrate the contrast between the expectation of an earthly ruler and the true spiritual mission of Jesus as the Redeemer of humanity.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 64—A Doomed People
This chapter is based on Mark 11:11-14, 20, 21; Matthew 21:17-19.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 64 is based on the accounts in Mark 11:11-14, 20-21 and Matthew 21:17-19. It describes the symbolic cursing of the barren fig tree by Jesus and places this act in the context of the spiritual condition of the people of Israel. The cursing serves as a sign of the consequences of hypocrisy and spiritual fruitlessness, and it is a warning to the Jewish people and all generations who reject God’s grace. Jesus speaks with sorrow about the future judgment of Jerusalem, which results from their rejection of the Messiah.
Commentary
The parable of the fig tree is central to this chapter. Jesus uses the barren fig tree as a symbol for the people of Israel, who outwardly appear devout but inwardly bear no true fruits of faith. The Jews in Jesus’ time presented an external appearance of deep religious life, with their magnificent temple and elaborate worship services. But like the fig tree, which bears only leaves, they lack inner fruit: righteousness, love, and mercy.
Jesus approaches the tree, seeking fruit, just as He came to His people seeking genuine fruit of faith. Instead, He finds only hypocrisy and self-righteousness. The cursing of the tree is a powerful symbol of the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The destruction of the fig tree illustrates the consequences of rejecting God’s grace.
This event not only illustrates the punishment for Israel but also serves as a warning for all time. Anyone who claims to serve God but produces no fruits of faith stands under the same judgment. God’s grace cannot be endlessly abused, and the rejection of His message leads to spiritual withering.
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because He knows the city will reject the remedy—Himself as the Messiah. His sorrow reveals the infinite love of God, who longs for His people’s repentance, but the responsibility for the coming destruction rests solely on those who refuse to accept His grace.
Summary
Chapter 64 illustrates the cursing of the fig tree as a symbolic representation of Israel’s spiritual condition. The tree, full of leaves but bearing no fruit, represents the people who outwardly appear devout but fail to produce true righteousness. Jesus uses this image to show the consequences of rejecting His grace: spiritual withering and the coming judgment on Jerusalem. Jesus’ sorrow over the city reflects God’s deep love, which hopes for repentance even in the face of rejection. This warning applies to all who reject God’s grace.
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