Luke Chapter 8

In this chapter we see the importance of understanding the great POWER of Jesus’ words. Jesus was more than a Rabbi, more than just a good teacher. And He was more than just a very good man.

Some might say that the Bible is difficult to understand; and that may be correct because they may not have given themselves to complete faith in God. Or perhaps they have not allowed the Holy Spirit to awaken their spirit to God’s truths. The more time we spend with Jesus the more the Holy Spirit reveals His truth in our hearts.

1. Luke makes a point of mentioning that several women were disciples or followers of Jesus. In fact, the phrase “and many others” in the Greek is in the feminine person indicating several women attended to the care of Jesus and His disciples. This is a very important point as the religious leaders of the day did not allow women to be taught the scriptures. What were the names of three of the women mentioned?

2. How many demons had been inflicting one of these women until Jesus healed her? Note: only God or Jesus would know exactly how many spiritual entities were inhabiting a person.

3. Jesus began to teach the crowd that had gathered, men and women and children. He used a parable to teach. A parable is like an illustration that is taught when one is standing outside a door or entrance to God’s truth. And if the person is receptive to the Holy Spirit, then they are given the key to enter the door and receive understanding of the truth that God intended for them to learn. The truth is not something super deep or difficult to understand, just a beautiful simple truth that He wants those who are receptive - to hear and understand. What happens to the truth taught to those who are not receptive to Him? (There is more than one answer).

4. Those who are receptive to the truth and accept these truths, then have special responsibilities. What are these responsibilities according to verses 15 and 16?

5. Jesus gave us a warning in verse 18 to take great care of the truths we learn from His Word. We must not exploit it or misinterpret it for our own personal gain. Instead we must protect the truths of God’s Word. [Side Note: I take this warning very seriously, and if ever you feel that I have misrepresented God’s Word, I really do want you to let me know.] What beautiful promise does He give in this verse to those who love the truths of His Word?

6. When I first read verse 19-21, I thought that Jesus answer to the arrival of His family seemed a bit harsh. But there is a beautiful truth that He was teaching at this moment – that He loves His disciples (including you and me) just as much as He loves His own family. How did Jesus describe a true disciple of His?

7. How serious was the situation of the disciples in the boat? How did the disciples express their amazement at the power of Jesus in this miracle?

8. Jesus healed a man filled with many demons who had been tormented for a long time. The demons knew who Jesus was. What name did the demons call Jesus by?

9. We know that this poor man was tormented by many demons because the Bible tells us that Jesus sent them into pigs, plural. We also get an idea of how many pigs went running into the water and drowned. How many does it say drowned?

10. The power that Jesus had, with just His words, was a little too much for the people to handle. The Bible says they were filled with fear. Verse 37 tells us that they asked Jesus to do something, what was that?

11. Jesus was asked to heal the sick daughter of Jairus, but He was detained by a crowd in getting to her. What other healing happened while on the way to Jairus’ house?

12. It seemed Jesus was too late. Someone sent a message to Jesus that the daughter of Jairus had passed away. What loving answer did Jesus respond with to the horrible news?

13. We know that Jesus truly raised her from the dead because in verse 58 what happened to the little girl?

14. What did Jesus ask of the little girl’s parents? And why do you think He asked it?