Luke 8

Magdalene means “from Magdala.” Madgala was a village north of Tiberias on the western side of the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene plays an important role in the accounts of the burial and resurrection of Jesus (24:10; Mark 15:40, 47; John 19:25; 20:1, 18). Some people have said that Mary Magdalene was the woman in Luke 7:36–38. This idea has led to the belief that she was a former prostitute. However, the Bible does not say this, and there is no clear evidence for it.

as well as some women: In the time of Jesus, Jewish rabbis (religious teachers with authority) did not have women disciples. So this was unusual. Some of these women, like Joanna, came from wealthy families and gave financial support to the ministry of Jesus.

The parable of the farmer scattering seed shows that people respond in different ways to the message of Jesus about God’s kingdom.

• A farmer would scatter seed and then plow it into the soil.

• The seed that fell on a walking path did not remain in the soil, so it was stepped on and eaten by birds.

fell on rocky ground: There was often a limestone layer 23 to 30.5 centimeters (9 to 12 inches) under the soil, so that the rain was trapped and seed sprouted quickly in the moist soil. But when the rain stopped, the sun evaporated the trapped moisture and the plant died.

fell among thorns: One type of weed looked very much like wheat as it grew, but it had larger roots and took away the moisture and nutrients that the wheat needed.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear: This meant everyone who was willing to listen.

• The mysteries of the kingdom of God: What was hidden in the past about God’s reign was now revealed through the words and actions of Jesus.

• though seeing … they may not understand: This quote is from the Greek version of Isaiah 6:9. This passage appears often in the New Testament to explain why Israel rejected the gospel (see also Matthew 13:14–15; Mark 4:12; John 12:40; Acts 28:26–27). In its original context, the passage refers to God’s certain judgment of Israel at the hands of the Assyrians. Israel’s sin and rebelliousness had taken them beyond the point of no return, so God blinded them in preparation for judgment. Those who rejected the message of Jesus were unable to see the truth clearly.

the seed is the word of God: This means Jesus is preaching the good news about God's kingdom.

Satan tries to stop those who have yet to trust in Christ from understanding the truth.

Deep roots indicate spiritual depth and maturity. The Greek word translated testing can also mean “temptation” or “trials.”

A small clay lamp was filled with olive oil and placed in a space in the wall (an alcove). The message of Jesus gives light to those who listen, and it shows their true attitudes.

Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen: Compare with Proverbs 9:9.

Jesus had four brothers:

• James,

• Joseph,

• Judas, and

• Simon.

The Gospels also mention sisters, but not how many Jesus had (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). These children were probably born to Joseph and Mary after the virgin birth of Jesus. However, some Christians believe that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. According to this view, Joseph was a widower who already had children from an earlier marriage when he married Mary.

those who hear God's word and carry it out: Jesus was not rejecting his family. He was saying that spiritual relationships, like being part of God's family, are more important than family bonds.

When Jesus calmed the windstorm, he showed his control over the elements. This act suggested he was God, since God controls the seas (see Psalms 65:7; 89:9; 104:6–7; 107:23–32).

A powerful windstorm came down on the lake. Severe storms often occur on the Sea of Galilee, which is in a valley surrounded by high hills.

Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters: Just as Jesus rebuked demons and diseases (4:39, 41), he showed his authority by rebuking the sea (compare 2 Samuel 22:16; Psalms 18:15; 104:7; 106:9; Isaiah 50:2; Nahum 1:4).

the region of the Gerasenes: Gerasa was a city in the Decapolis, located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus traveled to this mainly Gentile (non-Jewish) area on purpose to teach and help the people there.

Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man: This is known as an exorcism. This story showed the power Jesus has over spiritual forces. It also contrasted the healed man's faith and commitment to Jesus with the fear and rejection of people in the town.

he stayed in the tombs: Touching a tomb or a dead body made a Jew unclean, or ceremonially defiled. Jesus willingly entered this unclean place to rescue a person enslaved by Satan.

Jesus, Son of the Most High God: See study notes on 4:34, 41.

unclean spirit: The word unclean means not fit to be in God’s presence. An unclean spirit is a spirit that opposes God and does not belong near him (see also study note on 4:33).

A Roman legion included about 6,000 soldiers. This number shows that the man had many demons.

the Abyss: The Greek word abussos means "bottomless." It often refers to the prison of evil spirits or fallen angels under the surface of the world (Revelation 9:1–2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3; compare 2 Peter 2:4). The metaphor comes from the apparently bottomless depth of the ocean (the ancients had no means for sounding the ocean depths, so to them it was bottomless).

a large herd of pigs: Jews considered pigs to be ceremonially unclean animals. This indicates that the people in this area were Gentiles. The spiritually unclean demons were only suitable to be in pigs.

sitting at Jesus’ feet: The man sat in the position of a disciple, indicating his willingness to follow Jesus (see 8:37).

asked Jesus to depart from them: The power of Jesus over spiritual forces scared the people. Losing their pigs made them angry. Their rejection contrasts with the faith of the healed man.

Return home: The role of disciples is to proclaim to the world what Jesus has done for them.

These two accounts of healing show that Jesus has authority over disease and death. They also show the power of faith.

synagogue leader: The leader of the local synagogue was the officer who maintained the local synagogue and organized services (see also 8:49; 13:14; Acts 13:15; 18:8, 17).

bleeding: The woman might have suffered from ongoing bleeding from her monthly cycle. The suffering was both physical and spiritual. According to the law of Moses, such bleeding made the woman ceremonially unclean. This would prevent her from participating in community worship (Leviticus 15:25–30).

the fringe of His cloak: This likely refers to the little pieces of material (tassels) that pious Jews wore on the edges of their clothing (see Numbers 15:38–39; Deuteronomy 22:12).

Who touched Me?: Jesus recognized the touch of faith by a needy person.

your faith has healed you. Go in peace: Jesus also said this to the woman who anointed his feet (7:50). The Greek word translated here as healed can mean spiritual or physical salvation. Peace (compare to the Hebrew word shalom) means wholeness, not only the lack of conflict (see 1:79; 2:14, 29; 7:50; 19:38, 42; 24:36).

Peter, John, and James formed a close group within the disciples of Jesus (see 5:1–11; 9:28; Mark 14:32–33).

• everyone was weeping and mourning: See study note on 7:12.

• she is not dead but asleep: Jesus emphasized that the girl's condition was temporary. For Christians, death is like being asleep for a temporary period (compare John 11:11; Acts 7:60; 13:36; 1 Corinthians 11:30; 15:6, 18, 20, 51; 1 Thessalonians 4:14–15; 5:10).

Her spirit returned: Like the raising of the widow’s son (7:15), the girl’s normal mortal life was restored. At the final resurrection, believers will receive glorified bodies that do not die (see study note on 24:39).

not to tell anyone: See “The Secret of the Messiah” Theme Note.