Notes on Luke 8:4-21

Luke 8:4

parable. A story that uses aspects of everyday life to illustrate spiritual truths.

Luke 8:5-8

Jesus described a farmer throwing seed on various kinds of soil. Each soil produced a different result. Later he explained the meaning of the parable (vv. 9-15) sow. Ancient farmers would carry a bag of seed and sow by throwing the seed by hand. rock. Several places in Israel had thin layers of limestone under the top soil.

Luke 8:8

has ears . . . let him hear. A call to respond to Jesus's teaching with faith and obedience (see 14:35; Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9).

Luke 8:10

Large crowds would often begin to follow Jesus (v. 1). However, many in the crowds were more interested in seeing miracles than receiving the gospel. Jesus quoted from Isaiah (Isa. 6:9-10) to show that parables were sometimes used to hide spiritual truth from such people. God would judge hard-hearted people who didn't listen to his word by hardening them even further (John 3:17-19; 9:39-41; Rom. 1:18-23; 9:17-18; Acts 28:26-27). Yet, Jesus revealed the secrets of the kingdom to his disciples who were eager for his teaching (v. 9, 11-15).

Luke 8:11

The word of God is the focus of the parable. As it spreads, it takes roots in human hearts, and produces the kingdom despite many obstacles (vv. 12-13).

Luke 8:12

devil. The gospel undermines Satan's influence in the world (10:18). Thus, he works against gospel preaching. heard . . . believe . . . saved. Faith comes to people who hear God's word and believe (Rom. 10:14-17).

Luke 8:13

Those who have no root have no real faith (see Matt. 7:21-23; 15:8; Jam. 2:17). All who have true faith will never fall away (Phil. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:9; Jude 1, 24).

Luke 8:14

thorns. The Old Testament often relates thorns to idols (Jer. 4:3-4). Idols do not need to be literal statues of false gods. They can be anything we love and worship more than God (see 16:13; 1 Cor. 10:6-13; Col. 3:5; 1 John 5:20-21). This is especially true of the cares and riches and pleasures of this life (see 12:22).

Luke 8:15

Those who take serious and believe the word when they hear it have real faith. See WLC 160; WSC 90.

Luke 8:16-18

See WLC 160.

Luke 8:16-17

Jesus's teaching was like a lamp which brings light to spiritual darkness. It revealed truth and exposed sin. This is true of all God's word (see Pss. 97:11; 112:4; 119:105; 1 John 1:5).

Luke 8:18

One must listen carefully to God's word, including Jesus's teaching (vv. 16-17). Those who hear and believe will be changed and receive more understanding (see Prov. 9:9). Those that treat God's word lightly will lose whatever understanding they had.

Luke 8:19

These brothers were the sons born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus was born (see Matt. 1:25; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; 7:3, 5; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor. 9:5; Gal. 1:19).

Luke 8:20-21

Jesus was not disparaging his family, though they did not believe he was the Christ at this point (John 7:5; see Matt. 13:57; Acts 1:14). But Jesus is clear that the true family of God is characterized by those who obey God's word (see John 15:9-11; Jam. 2:17). These verses conclude Luke's emphasis on God's Word (vv. 1-21).

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