On Line Bible Study - For the Week August 2 - 8, 2010

Lesson 451

We are considering a passage that is a bit lengthy this week - it contains a parable (Luke 8:4-15;), an image of light (Luke 8:16-18), and the question of family (Luke 8:19-21). You can go directly to the text by clicking on Luke 8:4-21.

Darrell Bock points out that each of these deal in one way or another with faith - "The word as light calls for faith. The word is responded to in many different ways and faces many obstacles in its reception."

The parable of the seed and the soil is very well known. Perhaps we can derive a couple meanings or purposes from it. First, the message (the word) is not received by everyone. There is going to be resistance. From the very first days of his ministry Jesus' message is both embraced and rejected. The second message comes in the form of a question: What kind of soil are you? What is the state of our own receptivity to the message of the kingdom of God? Note the form which the obstacles take - spiritual impediments, persecution, the cares of the world (some of which may be legitimate) and the burden of riches (which are self-imposed).
It is often pointed out that Jesus used imagery and metaphor that had immediate relevance for his audience. Sowing seed was something his First-Century listeners could easily identify with.
Isn't it interesting that Jesus' disciples don't get it. And yet, Jesus acknowledges that the very purpose of the parables is to invite us into a deeper relationship with him - a questioning that ultimately leads to awareness. Absent that relationship with him the parables will continue to baffle us.

The light is meant to shine (Luke 8:16-18). Is Jesus warning his disciples not to hide the light of the kingdom of God out of fear of persecution?

The section concludes with Jesus' mother and brothers looking for him. Luke reinforces the notion that not blood, but faith is what makes us part of Jesus' family.

What is it in your life that prevents Jesus' word from taking deeper root and bearing more fruit? Is it fear? Or worries? Does the stuff of life crowd out the Christ? What is the status of your light - flickering? Glowing? Barely visible? Are you letting yourself be a part of Jesus' family?