Luke 8:38-39 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
 
SOMETHING is different in this healing miracle. When Jesus healed, he would often command the restored person, “Don’t tell anyone.” (Luke 5:14) The point of that instruction was to prevent massive crowds coming to Jesus for healing. That would disrupt his preaching and teaching ministry. Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, did not want to spend too much time on temporary healings. This would imit his time to preach his eternal soul-healing gospel message.
   But the Lord speaks a different command to this healed man. “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” Jesus said. The reason for this changed instruction is about Jesus’ ministry plans. He has come from Galilee to this region. And in the next Scripture, we will see that Jesus returns to Galilee. When Jesus is gone, who better to tell of God’s saving work than the one healed by God’s Word?
   See now this three-fold view of Jesus healing the man is a microcosm of his gospel ministry. One, Jesus goes to the region of the Gerasenes to display his authority over evil. In a like manner, Jesus has come to earth to confront the evil in all of us. Two, Jesus speaks and removes evil from the man. In the same way with a word, Jesus heals the sins of those who obey his teaching. Three, Jesus leaves the man and commands him to go tell others. As Jesus returned to Heaven, he commanded all he had saved to tell others what God has done in our lives.
   Let’s keep in mind Jesus’ ministry purpose he proclaimed in Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
   In the region of the Gerasenes and then throughout all the world, Jesus’ mission has and is being fulfilled. Through the Holy Trinity, salvation has come to we who confess Christ is Lord over our sins. I pray we all know the wonder of our freedom under God’s favor. In love and worship then, we will gratefully do as the healed man who “went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for healing my soul unto eternityl. I love to tell what you have done for me. In your grace I pray, amen.  
 

Luke 8:30-36 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.  
 
I have been sitting here looking at these verses for a few minutes. They cause me great fear and sadness. They also give me true hope.
   I am fearful and sad for so many who do not know Jesus’ saving power. Demons possess some to cause physical and spiritual misery. Other unbelieving minds are influenced with Satanic lies to deny their sins and need for a Savior. Such people are destined for the Abyss of eternal destruction. Revelation 17:8a The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. 
   Know this: The demons knew of the Abyss. Confronted with the “Son of the Most High”, they “begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.” The underlined emphasis is to cause you to pay attention to Hell’s horrors. These conscious, living, creatures had once been angels. God had permitted them to follow Satan out of Heaven. They knew about their future in the hellish Abyss. Once in the Abyss, there is no escape from this torturous existence. See how the demons believed in Jesus, his judgment and the promised eternal punishment.
   But within this fearful exchange, you can see hope. Jesus speaks his authority and his patience. Remember that Jesus had come to “to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) That day was not the day for final judgment. That day along Galilee’s shore was a day for grace. The gospel is spoken to proclaim our sin and the Savior. Thus, Jesus spoke to save the man from evil spirits. And in his grace he didn’t judge the demons. See how he answered their petitions as he permitted them to enter into the pigs.
   We don’t know the demons’ ultimate destination that day. Did they drown with the pigs? It I sunlikely spirits respond to physical elements. Other Scriptues teach that demons can and do move from person to person or place to place.
   The twofold lesson here is 1) Mankind must be fearful of the eternal Abyss. Without Jesus’ salvation, this is one’s ultimate destiny. 2) Believe in the Savior’s grace and power to free you from sin’s chains into his eternal presence.
   The Lord is good to save; indeed, his love does endure forever. Trust in this hope and be saved.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for coming to seek and save me. I pray you will save my friends and family membes who do not believe in you as their Lord and Savior. In your name I pray for your mercy. Amen.   

Luke 8:28-29 When the demon-possessed man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
 
THE demons within this persecuted man were sure who stood before him. It is interesting to note that Jesus’ disciples had just asked amid the storm, “Who is this?” They did not fully understand Jesus as LORD, ruler over all. But the demons did. They knew. In fear, they asked for his favor, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!”
   The demons know their fate is in the hands of the God, who rules Heaven and earth. These former angels who followed Satan out of Heaven have seen God create, judge and save. At this moment fear of the Holy God’s judgment gripped the demons.
   Although this fear will not change these spiritual beings, the Bible tells us this is a good form of fear in our own hearts. Be mindful of such verses as Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Then listen closely to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:31-33 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” 
   Yes, all knees will bow before Jesus when he returns to judge the world. Humanity will go on their collective faces before God. But there will be a difference between those who know Jesus as the Son of the Most High and those who do not. Those who realize Jesus’ true identity for the first time that day will bow in right fear of eternal torture. They will know, as the demons did that day, that their doom is sure.
   In joyful contrast, those who fear God before that day and confess Jesus as the Son of the Most High God before that day will be on their faces in worship and joy.
   Do you fear God’s justice against your sins? All who truly know God’s authority will have such a fear. If you do not, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Gospel’s saving message to you.
   Realize God’s grace to save. Worship each day with such honoring words as, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise? 3 Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. (Psalms 106:1-3)
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you govern all things to your purpose. I pray for a true understanding that you, God, and no one else, is the true authority of my life. In Jesus’ name I rejoice. Amen.

Luke 8:26-27 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.
 
RECENTLY, I spoke to a group of pastors in Kenya and Uganda regarding pastoral love from Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
   In the context of “being an imitator of God”, I spoke of God’s admonition to love and my own heart and ministry that needs more love. In these past months, the Holy Spirit has put on my heart, “You need to love more.” He has caused me to look at my life, relationships and ministry to teach me, “Love more.”
   My response is often one of regret. I’d like to go back to all to whom I have ministered and say to each one, “Please forgive me for not loving you as I should have. I have not been a good imitator of God’s love to you.”
   In that context, more than one pastor in Kenya and Uganda came to me to say, “This teaching has impacted me. I realize I need to go back to my church to love them more. I also need to go to the unlovable people, even the drunkards in my village to show them Jesus’ love.”
   As Jesus goes to the demon possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes, he demonstrates the love we are to imitate. Here is the Master of the Universe. Remember, he is the one who has just calmed the winds and quieted the waves. He can go anywhere he wants; the world is at his disposal. Where does he want to go? He wants to go to the Gerasenes to love the naked, demon-possessed man who lives amid the dead.
   Ministry is difficult if we truly imitate God. We each see unlovable, even disgusting-looking people we want to avoid. We’d rather minister to people we like. We want to imitate God’s love amid those who believe in God. But there are those times when we need to imitate Jesus’ love in the very hard places. Imitating God requires we put away our comforts. We turn from our judgments. With grace, we simply say to someone, “Jesus loves you.”
   Loving others as yourself is a good way to imitate God.
 
Prayer: Teach me to love as you do, Lord. Amen.   

Luke 8:22-25 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let's go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
 
JESUS asked his disciples, “Where is your faith?” I’m not sure I would want him to ask me. It would embarrass me to say to my Master, “My faith was good yesterday when things were good. But I’m not so sure today, Jesus. I’m wondering if you really are the Master over the earth. Is your authority enough to help me through this difficult day? When I look at my friends and family who are drowning in hard times, I’m wondering, ‘Are you the Mater, who can help them’?”
   The disciples in a small boat on the raging sea seemed to be experiencing that type of response to Jesus. Fearfully, they watched the storm rage. Doom seemed sure even as the Master of the Universe slept on the boat. Would Jesus sleep through their deaths? Did trouble rage while the Lord was literally unconscious to the threatening wind and waves?
   Are you prone to wonder, “Is the Lord aware of my troubles?” Fear can roar into our souls at a moment’s notice. Our faith blows away when sudden troubles rise high. Forgetting God’s power, we focus first on our limiting weakness. When solutions are invisible, we desperately call out to God, “I’m drowning here, Master! Can’t you do something?” Yes, we speak the word, “Master” while fear masters our lives.
   What would have been the disciples’ faithful response? Perhaps they should have faithfully petitioned Jesus, “Master, Master, we know you are Lord of all. Would you still the storm? Will you keep us safe through this night? Thank you, Master, for calming this storm.”
   This is a prayer of faith. This is the kind of response Jesus seemed to desire from his disciples. Day by day, Jesus gave his disciples more reasons to trust his authority over their lives. Jesus was preparing them for the years to come when they would need that faith to do what he commanded them to do. On the day he ascended to Heaven, the Master would say to them in Matthew 28:18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” They would often need to fully believe in their Master’s authority through the worst storms of their lives. Ahead of them were the trials of persecution, torture and death as they spoke the Master’s saving authority to the world.
   I wonder how many times they looked back to that night on the boat and remembered, “He saved us then. He will save us now. He is he Master of my life.”
   In the storms, look to the Master. Remember when he rescued you from other raging waves. Be at peace.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for your power to rescue me from sin’s raging, deadly storms. In faith, I thank you that you are with me through all the storms. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  

Luke 8:22-25 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let's go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
 
JESUS asked his disciples, “Where is your faith?” I’m not sure I would want him to ask me. It would embarrass me to say to my Master, “My faith was good yesterday when things were good. But I’m not so sure today, Jesus. I’m wondering if you really are the Master over the earth. Is your authority enough to help me through this difficult day? When I look at my friends and family who are drowning in hard times, I’m wondering, ‘Are you the Mater, who can help them’?”
   The disciples in a small boat on the raging sea seemed to be experiencing that type of response to Jesus. Fearfully, they watched the storm rage. Doom seemed sure even as the Master of the Universe slept on the boat. Would Jesus sleep through their deaths? Did trouble rage while the Lord was literally unconscious to the threatening wind and waves?
   Are you prone to wonder, “Is the Lord aware of my troubles?” Fear can roar into our souls at a moment’s notice. Our faith blows away when sudden troubles rise high. Forgetting God’s power, we focus first on our limiting weakness. When solutions are invisible, we desperately call out to God, “I’m drowning here, Master! Can’t you do something?” Yes, we speak the word, “Master” while fear masters our lives.
   What would have been the disciples’ faithful response? Perhaps they should have faithfully petitioned Jesus, “Master, Master, we know you are Lord of all. Would you still the storm? Will you keep us safe through this night? Thank you, Master, for calming this storm.”
   This is a prayer of faith. This is the kind of response Jesus seemed to desire from his disciples. Day by day, Jesus gave his disciples more reasons to trust his authority over their lives. Jesus was preparing them for the years to come when they would need that faith to do what he commanded them to do. On the day he ascended to Heaven, the Master would say to them in Matthew 28:18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” They would often need to fully believe in their Master’s authority through the worst storms of their lives. Ahead of them were the trials of persecution, torture and death as they spoke the Master’s saving authority to the world.
   I wonder how many times they looked back to that night on the boat and remembered, “He saved us then. He will save us now. He is he Master of my life.”
   In the storms, look to the Master. Remember when he rescued you from other raging waves. Be at peace.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for your power to rescue me from sin’s raging, deadly storms. In faith, I thank you that you are with me through all the storms. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
  

Luke 8:19-21 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
 
THIS is one of three occasions the gospels record Jesus overriding Mary’s motherly concerns for him and his work. First, Mary frantically seeks the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple. His response is recorded in Luke 2:49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?”  Second, we see Jesus react to Mary’s directive at the wedding in Cana in John 2:3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”  And third, is this interaction between Jesus and Mary, which is also reported in Mark. Is Jesus disrespectful, even unloving toward Mary and then his siblings?
   We can understand Jesus’ three responses to Mary’s motherly concerns when we remember who he is. Fully man, Jesus is also fully God. In each of the three conversations noted, we have the evidence of Jesus’ two natures. As a man, his mother Mary sees him as her son in need of motherly directives at times. She speaks to him in her earthly authority and love.
   And then we know Jesus is the Son of God. He needs no instruction about his ministry. In each occasion mentioned, Jesus lifts up his relationship with his Father in Heaven. This is the relationship that directs his conversation in the temple, the miracles and his preaching. 
   In this work, Jesus is intent beyond his earthly family to point the world to become part of God’s eternal family. As the Holy Spirit quickens our faith in the risen Christ, we become one with God, under one Lord, one Father, one Spirit and one body. (See Ephesians 4:4-6). We are baptized in the Spirit’s power into the family of God. As we confess our sins and confess Jesus as Lord, the risen Savior becomes our brother.
   Jesus loved his mother very much. Some of his last words from the cross expressed his commission to his disciple John to care for Mary. Then we must remember that Mary needed to be saved as we all do. The Spirit moved her from her temporary purpose as Jesus’ mother to her eternal purpose as Jesus’ disciple (Acts 1:14). Today, Mary is Christ’s sister in his eternal family.
   Jesus knew when he had to care for earthly matters. He knew when he had to focus on eternal matters. He is our example to know the eternal must appropriately be above the earthly.
 
Prayer: I praise you, Jesus, for your great love for all mankind. Thank you for drawing your own into your eternal family. Amen.
 
 

Luke 8:16-18 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”

WHAT has happened when you’ve taken a class in school, and you did not like the subject? You likely listened with an unwilling ear. You received just enough knowledge to get through the class. When the class was done, you may have neglected to use any knowledge from the teachings. You gained little and used little.
    On the other hand, those who enjoyed the class and the teachings grew into the subject’s knowledge. They entered the classroom eager to learn. They, in turn, left the classroom wiser, and they were able to teach others. The willing, interested students gained, kept and used knowledge.
    This is Jesus’ point here. Being a light is a very positive view of the Christian life, isn’t it?  But do you see what is required for Kingdom light living? Be attentive to Jesus’ insistent admonition to “Consider carefully how you listen.”
    Yes, be alert. The Teacher has told us, “Come to class. Eagerly prepare for the teaching!” If you are a poor Kingdom student, your truth supply will be low. And worse you will not use what you learn. In contrast, those who eagerly pursue Jesus’ teachings will grow more deeply into God’s knowledge.
    Deeply desire to know Jesus. Consider the Teacher instructs you how to live in power and joy each day. Be mindful he points you directly to eternal life. Intentional, purposeful learning will enlighten you to become a light into the world.
     Are you eager to sit down with Jesus and learn from him each day? Do you listen carefully to see how sin impacts your knowledge of God? Do you intentionally listen to know the light of Jesus’ love and forgiveness? Are you truly hearing to grow in kingdom knowledge and wisdom? Are you excited to leave the “classroom” and tell of the Lord to others?
     I wonder what would happen if you answered each question with a joyful, “Yes!”
 
Prayer: My heart yearns to listen to you, Jesus. You are my light. In the Spirit’s power I pray I reflect you to others. Amen.
   

Luke 8:4-15 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6 Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.  
 
GOOD soil is so very important to a nation’s welfare. We are blessed in America to have thousands and thousands of acres that are good soil. This good soil gives us an abundant harvest annually. The good soil gives us a reliable food source. Living in the United States, we can trust that we will have enough to eat each day because the soil is good, tilled by good farmers who manage it well from year to year.
   Jesus uses the good soil image because good soil managed properly is the foundation of wealth for a country. Good soil in the Kingdom of God is the foundation for a rich life in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
   Good soil that grows crops is filled with organisms and nutrients that make it fertile. Good Soil in the Kingdom of God is filled with God’s fertile Word to grow faith, hope and love to enrich our lives.
   Good soil is deep and can’t be easily washed away. God’s Good Soil is deep and cannot ever be removed. When we sink our souls’ roots into it, we can trust the Good Soil of God’s Word to anchor us against the winds of change and trouble. We are sturdy in the Good Soil to remain in God’s love when heartache comes and uncertainty disturbs our hearts.
   Plant your seeds of trust in God’s Good Soil. When others see God’s Good Soil in you, they will desire to be planted in Good Soil, too.
 
Prayer: Deepen my roots in you, Father. Grow me up more and more into the fullness of life you have planned for me. Grow me more deeply into Jesus.

Luke 8:1-4 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
 
THERE is a lie in the world that the Bible and Christianity demean women. Of course these lies come from the devil’s influence on the world in an attempt to discredit God’s magnificent love and provision for his creation. Jesus spoke of the devil’s lies in this heated exchange with the Jews in John 8:44-48 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
   Let’s understand the truth, then, about women in the Kingdom of God. God created woman as equal to man. God loves women. God honors women. God chooses women into his church. God gifts women to serve in his kingdom. Women are of great value in God’s sight. After all, women are made in the image of God.
   We have seen these facts in the previous two lessons. Recall how Jesus loved and saved the repentant woman who wept over her sins. We also see in these verses three women who helped Jesus in his ministry. Mary Magdalene was freed of demon possession. (For some reason, many label her a one-time prostitute. I’m not sure why.) Joanna is a woman of means. It is thought Jesus had healed her son, and she traveled with Jesus to support him financially.
   For women to travel with men in this way was the subject of scandal. Furthermore, co-education was not done in this culture. Women were second-class citizens. But not with Jesus, who had come to set the captives free. These women would have been learning along with The Twelve. You can even say they are Jesus’ disciples as the term applies to all who pursued his teachings and learned from him. Jesus graciously welcomed women into his midst to use their gifts, witness his miracles and to receive his teachings. It is believed Jesus had also healed Susanna.
   These women would not only be supporting Jesus and helping the physical aspects of his ministry, we can understand, too, they would be a living testimony to Jesus’ healing, transforming powers. The Kingdom of God thrives and revives when all whom Christ has healed testify of God’s grace and power to heal. (Did you hear that? What is your testimony?)
   The Bible records many more ways our Lord affirms women. As in all things we hear, put away the world’s deceptions. Listen closely to God’s words and believe.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the ways you honor women. Thank you for all the women in my life who have taught me of you. In Jesus’ name, amen.