Luke 8 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Luke 8 meaning explained in AI Summary

The Parable of the Sower and Other Miracles

Jesus teaches in parables, including the parable of the sower.
He calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee.
He casts out demons from a man possessed and into a herd of pigs.
He heals a woman with a twelve-year bleeding disorder and raises Jairus' daughter from the dead.

Luke chapter 8 highlights a period of intense ministry for Jesus, showcasing his power through miracles, his teaching through parables, and his expectations of true discipleship.

1. Women Supporting Jesus (8:1-3): Luke introduces several women who followed and financially supported Jesus and his disciples. This detail emphasizes the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the active role women played.

2. Parables of the Sower and the Lamp (8:4-21): Jesus uses two parables to illustrate the importance of receiving and responding to his message. The Parable of the Sower explains that the effectiveness of God's word depends on the condition of the hearer's heart. The Parable of the Lamp emphasizes the responsibility to let our light shine and share the message we've received.

3. Calming the Storm (8:22-25): This miracle demonstrates Jesus' authority over nature. When a fierce storm threatens the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calms the wind and waves, revealing his divine power and prompting the disciples' awe.

4. The Gerasene Demoniac (8:26-39): Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons. He casts the demons into a herd of pigs, demonstrating his power over the spiritual realm. This event highlights Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and the transformative power of his presence.

5. Jairus' Daughter and the Bleeding Woman (8:40-56): Two intertwined miracles occur. Jairus, a synagogue leader, begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way, a woman with a long-standing bleeding problem is healed simply by touching Jesus' garment. Jesus then raises Jairus' daughter from the dead, showcasing his power over life and death.

6. Sending Out the Twelve (8:1-15): Jesus commissions his twelve disciples, giving them authority over demons and the power to heal. He sends them out to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, mirroring his own ministry and preparing them for future leadership.

7. Who is My Mother? (8:19-21): When Jesus' family tries to see him, he uses the opportunity to teach that true discipleship transcends blood ties. He emphasizes that those who hear and obey God's word are his true family.

Overall, Luke chapter 8 portrays Jesus as a powerful teacher, healer, and leader. He uses miracles to demonstrate his authority, parables to explain spiritual truths, and his interactions with individuals to model compassion and discipleship.

Luke 8 bible study ai commentary

Luke 8 explores the supreme authority of Jesus Christ and His word, juxtaposed with the varied human responses to it. The chapter opens with the Parable of the Sower, establishing the central theme: how the "seed" of God's word is received. This theme is then vividly illustrated through a series of powerful miracles where Jesus demonstrates His command over nature, the demonic realm, chronic disease, and even death itself. Each event forces the audience and the disciples to confront the question, "Who then is this?", demanding a response of either faith and obedience or fear and rejection.

Luke 8 Context

This chapter is set during Jesus' Galilean ministry. The audience would have understood the significance of the Sea of Galilee as a source of life and unpredictable danger, a metaphor for chaos. The cultural context is deeply rooted in Jewish purity laws, making the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the raising of a dead girl profoundly challenging to societal norms. The inclusion of ministry in the Decapolis (a league of ten Gentile cities, including the region of the Gerasenes) is significant, showing Luke's emphasis on the Gospel's reach beyond a purely Jewish audience. The presence of women, named and acting as patrons, is also counter-cultural, highlighting the radically inclusive nature of Jesus' followers.

Luke 8:1-3

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

In-depth-analysis

Jesus' Itinerant Ministry: His work is not static but active, reaching every city and village. The message is the "glad tidings of the kingdom of God."
The Twelve: Their presence signifies the nascent formation of the leadership of the New Covenant people, analogous to the twelve patriarchs of Israel.
Counter-Cultural Role of Women: In this society, respectable women would not typically travel with a male rabbi. Their inclusion is revolutionary.
Financial Patrons: These women were not just followers but provided financial support ("ministered... of their substance"). The word for "ministered" is diēkonoun, the root of "deacon," signifying active service and provision.
High-Status Believer: Joanna, wife of Herod Antipas's household manager (Chuza), indicates that Jesus' message was penetrating the upper echelses of society, even those connected to the political powers that would ultimately oppose him.
Mary Magdalene: Her healing from "seven devils" denotes a severe and complete demonic possession. Her prominent mention here establishes her as a key disciple.

Bible references

Mark 15:40-41: "There were also women looking on afar off... who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him..." (Women's faithful service from Galilee to the cross).
Luke 24:10: "It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles." (These same women become the first witnesses to the resurrection).
Proverbs 31:10-12: "Who can find a virtuous woman?... The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." (Ideal of a capable, providing woman, recontextualized here in service to Christ).

Cross references

2 Cor 8:9 (Christ's poverty for our sake), Phil 4:15-19 (church supporting ministry), Acts 1:14 (women with the apostles in prayer), Lk 4:43 (Jesus' purpose to preach the kingdom).

Luke 8:4-8

And when much people were gathered together... he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side... some fell upon a rock... some fell among thorns... And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

In-depth-analysis

Parable: A common rabbinic teaching tool, using earthly stories to convey spiritual truths. It's designed to both reveal truth to the receptive and conceal it from the hardened.
The Sower and Seed: The focus is not on the sower's technique (he sows extravagantly) but on the condition of the four soils, which represent different heart-conditions. The "seed" is constant; the variable is the reception.
Four Soils:
1. Wayside: Hard, unplowed ground. Represents a hard heart where the Word cannot penetrate.
2. Rock: Thin soil over limestone. Represents an emotional, shallow response that withers under pressure.
3. Thorns: Good soil, but infested with weeds. Represents a divided heart, choked by worldly concerns.
4. Good Ground: Tilled, receptive soil. Represents a heart that hears, accepts, and acts on the Word, leading to fruitfulness.
"Ears to hear": This is a call for spiritual perception, not just auditory function. Jesus challenges the crowd to look beyond the simple agricultural story to its deeper meaning.

Bible references

Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:3-9: (Parallel accounts of the same parable).
Isaiah 6:9-10: "And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not... Make the heart of this people fat..." (The prophetic basis for why parables both reveal and conceal).
James 1:21: "...receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." (The proper reception of the Word).

Cross references

Isa 55:10-11 (God's word is always effective), Jer 4:3 (break up your fallow ground), Gal 5:22-23 (the fruit of the Spirit).

Luke 8:9-15

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand... Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God...

In-depth-analysis

Mysteries of the Kingdom: The musterion (Greek) is not a puzzle to be solved, but a truth previously hidden and now revealed by God to His people. Access to this knowledge is a gift.
Purpose of Parables: Jesus quotes Isaiah 6 to explain the dual function: revelation for the seekers (disciples) and concealment leading to judgment for the willfully blind. It separates the curious crowd from the committed followers.
Explanation of the Soils:
- Wayside/Devil: The enemy actively snatches the word from hard hearts before it can be considered.
- Rock/Temptation: Lack of "root" implies no deep conviction. Their belief is temporary and feeling-based, failing at the first sign of trial (peirasmos).
- Thorns/Cares, Riches, Pleasures: The Word is choked out by competing priorities. Spiritual life is suffocated by materialism and worldliness.
- Good Ground/Noble Heart: This person hears, retains (katechō, holds fast to), and brings forth fruit with patience (hupomonē, endurance, steadfastness). This is the model disciple.

Bible references

1 Corinthians 2:7-10: "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery... But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit..." (The Spirit reveals God's hidden wisdom).
John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me... bringeth forth much fruit..." (Abiding in Christ is necessary for fruitfulness).
Hebrews 2:1: "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." (Warning against letting the Word drift away).

Cross references

Prov 4:23 (keep your heart with all diligence), 2 Cor 4:3-4 (gospel is veiled to the perishing), Col 1:26-27 (the mystery now revealed is Christ in you).

Luke 8:16-18

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed... For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest... Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

In-depth-analysis

Logical Follow-up: This is not a random teaching. The "light" is the Word/mystery of the kingdom just explained. It is not given to be hidden but to be displayed.
Manifestation: All things will be revealed on the Day of Judgment. The secrets of the heart—its true "soil type"—will be made public.
"Take heed how ye hear": This is the core command of the entire section (v. 4-21). Hearing is an active, accountable process.
Spiritual Economics: "Whoever hath, to him shall be given." The one who acts upon the spiritual understanding they have (the good soil) will receive more. The one who does nothing with what they hear (the other soils) will lose even the superficial understanding they thought they had. This is a principle of use-it-or-lose-it spirituality.

Bible references

Matthew 5:15: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." (Believers are to be a light in the world).
Luke 12:2-3: "...for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed... whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light..." (Principle of ultimate exposure).
Matthew 25:29: "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." (Same principle in the Parable of the Talents).

Cross references

Dan 2:22 (God reveals deep and secret things), Ecc 12:14 (God will bring every work into judgment), Eph 5:8-13 (walk as children of light).

Luke 8:19-21

Then came to him his mother and his brethren... And it was told him... Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered... My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

In-depth-analysis

A Living Parable: This event is the perfect illustration of the preceding teachings. Jesus demonstrates what the "good soil" looks like in practice.
Redefining Family: Jesus subordinates biological family ties to a new, spiritual kinship. The true family of God is defined by obedience, not bloodline.
"Hear the word of God, and do it": This phrase directly links back to the Parable of the Sower's "good ground" and acts as a summary of the required response. It connects hearing (v. 18) with doing.

Polemics

This passage functions as a polemic against the Jewish emphasis on physical lineage (descent from Abraham) as the primary basis for covenant inclusion. Jesus establishes a new standard: responsive faith and obedience to God's Word.

Bible references

Mark 3:31-35: (Parallel account with more detail on the family's motives, possibly thinking He was out of His mind).
John 15:14: "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (Friendship/relationship with Jesus is contingent on obedience).
Galatians 3:29: "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Spiritual lineage in Christ replaces physical lineage).

Cross references

Mt 7:21 (not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord'), Jn 1:12-13 (born of God), Rom 8:14 (led by Spirit are sons of God).

Luke 8:22-25

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples... and as they sailed he fell asleep. And there came down a storm... and they were in jeopardy... Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

In-depth-analysis

From Teaching to Demonstration: The narrative shifts from Jesus teaching about the Word's power to Him demonstrating its power.
Humanity and Deity: Jesus is fully human (he is tired and sleeps) and fully divine (He has authority over creation). His sleep in the storm shows perfect trust in His Father.
The Sea of Galilee: Known for sudden, violent storms. For the ancient mind, the chaotic sea represented the forces of primordial evil and death.
"Where is your faith?": Jesus' rebuke is not about their fear, but about their failure to trust Him, the very source of the Word they've been taught. They had the Word incarnate in the boat with them.
"What manner of man is this?": This is the central question of the Gospel. The disciples have seen healings, but authority over creation itself forces them to a new level of inquiry about Jesus' identity. This is a Christological climax.

Bible references

Psalm 107:29: "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." (A direct echo of Yahweh's power over the sea, now demonstrated by Jesus).
Jonah 1:4-6: "But the LORD sent out a great wind... so that the ship was like to be broken. ...the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God..." (A contrasting story where a sleeping man in a storm is a disobedient prophet, not the Lord of the storm).
Psalm 89:9: "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them." (Attributing divine power to Jesus).

Cross references

Mt 8:23-27, Mk 4:35-41 (parallel accounts), Job 38:8-11 (God commands the sea), Ps 65:7 (God stills the noise of the seas).

Luke 8:26-39

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes... there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time... When he saw Jesus, he cried out... saying, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God the most High?... And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

In-depth-analysis

Gentile Territory: The presence of a herd of pigs confirms this is outside Jewish lands. Jesus' authority is universal.
"Son of God the most High": The demons instantly recognize Jesus' true divine identity, in stark contrast to the disciples' recent questioning ("What manner of man is this?").
Legion: A Roman legion consisted of up to 6,000 soldiers. This name implies an overwhelming and organized demonic occupation. It conveys the man's immense suffering and the scale of Jesus' power.
"The Deep": The demons fear the abussos (Greek for abyss or bottomless pit), the place of imprisonment for evil spirits. They know their ultimate fate and recognize Jesus' authority to enact it.
Value of a Soul: The destruction of 2,000 pigs (Mark 5:13) is economically devastating, yet it serves to visually demonstrate the immense power of the exorcism and, by contrast, the supreme value Jesus places on the one man who was saved.
Two Reactions: The townspeople are fearful and ask Jesus to leave, valuing their economic stability over the presence of their savior. In contrast, the healed man wishes to follow Jesus.
The First Gentile Missionary: Jesus commissions the man to be a witness in his own region ("Go home... tell them what God has done for you."). He becomes the first apostle to the Decapolis.

Bible references

Mark 5:1-20: (A more detailed parallel account).
2 Peter 2:4: "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell (tartaroō), and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment..." (Theological background for the "abyss").
Revelation 20:1-3: "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit (abussos)... and cast him into the bottomless pit..." (The ultimate fate of Satan).

Cross references

Mt 8:28-34 (parallel), Eph 6:12 (wrestling against spiritual forces), Acts 1:8 (you will be my witnesses), Rev 9:1-2 (the abyss is opened).

Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

And it came to pass, that... a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue... fell down at Jesus' feet... for he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying... While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole... And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth... He put them all out... and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway.

In-depth-analysis

Story within a Story: Luke frames the healing of the woman (v. 43-48) within the story of Jairus's daughter. This technique, called intercalation or a "Lukan sandwich," invites the reader to compare and contrast the two stories.
Contrasting Figures: Jairus is a named, prominent religious leader (a man) seeking help publicly. The woman (next section) is anonymous, outcast, and acts in secret. Jesus' grace extends to both.
"Fear not: believe only": This is a critical command. The message of death threatens to extinguish Jairus's hope, but Jesus calls for a faith that persists even beyond the point of no return.
"Sleepeth": Jesus uses sleep as a metaphor for death, a common biblical euphemism. For Him, death is a temporary state over which He has absolute power. This contrasts with the hopeless weeping of the mourners.
The Word of Life: As with the storm, Jesus' spoken word—"Maid, arise"—is the agent of the miracle. It has the power to recall the human spirit and reverse death itself.
Authority Over Death: This is the ultimate demonstration of power in the chapter, moving from control over creation and demons to control over the final enemy, death.

Bible references

Mark 5:21-24, 35-43: (A richer parallel, including the Aramaic phrase Talitha cumi—"Little girl, I say to you, arise").
John 11:11, 25: "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth... I am the resurrection, and the life..." (Jesus uses the same metaphor for Lazarus and claims ultimate authority over life).
1 Kings 17:17-24: "And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived." (An OT precedent of a prophet raising the dead, though by prayer, whereas Jesus commands directly).

Cross references

Lk 7:11-17 (raising the widow's son at Nain), 2 Ki 4:32-37 (Elisha raises a boy), Acts 9:40 (Peter raises Tabitha), 1 Cor 15:26 (the last enemy to be destroyed is death).

Luke 8:43-48

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me?... Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me... she declared unto him... what she had done. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

In-depth-analysis

Ceremonial Uncleanness: According to Levitical law (Lev 15:25-27), this woman was in a perpetual state of ceremonial uncleanness. Anyone or anything she touched became unclean. Her touch should have made Jesus unclean.
Desperation and Faith: After 12 years of suffering and financial ruin, she reaches for Jesus in a faith that is both desperate and determined. She believes that mere contact with Him is enough.
Reversal of Uncleanness: Instead of her uncleanness transferring to Jesus, His wholeness and power transfer to her. He is the source of purity that overcomes impurity.
"Virtue is gone out of me": The word is dunamis (dynamic power). Jesus is aware of the power flowing from Him. He does not stop the flow, but he stops to identify the recipient.
Public Healing: Jesus insists on a public confession not to shame her, but to restore her. By telling her story, her private healing becomes a public declaration of her new status as clean and whole. She is reintegrated into the community.
"Daughter": A term of tender affection. Jesus affirms her identity and relationship with God.
"Your faith hath made you whole": Sōzō (saved/made whole). Her faith was the conduit for receiving God's grace. It was not a "work" but the hand that received the gift.

Bible references

Leviticus 15:25-27: "And if a woman have an issue of her blood... she shall be unclean... And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean..." (The law that made her an outcast).
Malachi 4:2: "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings..." (Prophecy of healing power residing in the Messiah's "wings" or garment fringe, kanaph).
Numbers 15:38-39: "...bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments... that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD..." (The fringe, tzitzit, she touched was a symbol of obedience to God's Word).

Cross references

Mt 9:20-22, Mk 5:25-34 (parallels), Lk 6:19 (virtue going out of Him to heal all), Lk 17:19 (faith making someone whole).

Luke chapter 8 analysis

The Progression of "Who is this?": The chapter is structured as an answer to the disciples' question in 8:25. It moves from Jesus' authority over teaching (parables), to authority over creation (storm), over the spirit world (Legion), over ritual impurity and disease (woman), and finally over death (Jairus's daughter). Each event escalates the claim to His divine identity.
The Interplay of "Word" and "Faith": The chapter begins by defining the "seed" as the "word of God" (v. 11). Subsequent events show this Word in action. Jesus speaks to the storm, the demons, and the dead girl. The response God seeks is faith, which is explicitly mentioned as the channel for power in the calming of the storm ("Where is your faith?"), the healing of the woman ("Your faith has made you whole"), and the raising of the girl ("Do not fear; only believe").
Numerical Significance of "Twelve": The number 12, symbolic of Israel's tribes, appears with the 12 apostles, the 12 years of the woman's suffering, and the 12 years of Jairus's daughter's life. This could symbolically represent Jesus' mission to bring healing and restoration to all of Israel, represented by both the long-suffering and the youth cut off from life. His power is sufficient for the "hopeless case" (12 years of suffering) and the "dead case" (12 years of life, then death).
Biblical Completion (Polemic on Power): The miracles performed by Old Testament prophets like Elijah (1 Kings 17) and Elisha (2 Kings 4) often involved prayer, process, and beseeching God. Jesus' miracles in Luke 8 are distinct. He doesn't ask God to calm the storm; He commands it. He doesn't pray for the girl to be raised; He commands her to arise. His authority is direct and inherent, not derived in the same way as a prophet's, solidifying his claim to be more than a prophet.

Luke 8 summary

Luke 8 powerfully demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and the necessity of a faith-filled response to His word. Through parables, the chapter teaches how God's word should be received, and through a series of dramatic miracles, it proves that Jesus' word holds absolute power over nature, demons, disease, and death. It consistently pushes the audience to answer the disciples' climactic question: "Who is this?"—revealing Him as the Son of God, the Lord of all creation.

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Luke chapter 8 kjv

¹ And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
² And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
³ And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
⁴ And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
⁵ A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
⁶ And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
⁷ And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
⁸ And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
⁹ And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
¹⁰ And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
¹¹ Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
¹² Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
¹³ They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
¹⁴ And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
¹⁵ But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
¹⁶ No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
¹⁷ For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
¹⁸ Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
¹⁹ Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
²⁰ And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
²¹ And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
²² Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
²³ But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
²⁴ And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
²⁵ And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
²⁶ And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
²⁷ And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
²⁹ (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
³⁰ And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
³¹ And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
³² And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
³³ Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
³⁴ When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
³⁵ Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
³⁶ They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
³⁸ Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
³⁹ Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
⁴⁰ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
⁴¹ And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
⁴² For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
⁴³ And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
⁴⁴ Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
⁴⁵ And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
⁴⁶ And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
⁴⁷ And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
⁴⁸ And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
⁴⁹ While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
⁵¹ And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
⁵² And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
⁵³ And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
⁵⁴ And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
⁵⁵ And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
⁵⁶ And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Luke chapter 8 nkjv

¹ Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
² and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities?Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
³ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
⁴ And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable:
⁵ "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.
⁶ Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.
⁷ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.
⁸ But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
⁹ Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?"
¹⁰ And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.'
¹¹ "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
¹² Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
¹³ But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
¹⁴ Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
¹⁵ But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
¹⁶ "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.
¹⁷ For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
¹⁸ Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
¹⁹ Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd.
²⁰ And it was told Him by some, who said, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You."
²¹ But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."
²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out.
²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.
²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.
²⁵ But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!"
²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.
²⁷ And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.
²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!"
²⁹ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
³⁰ Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him.
³¹ And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
³² Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them.
³³ Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.
³⁴ When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.
³⁵ Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
³⁶ They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed.
³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
³⁸ Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying,
³⁹ "Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.
⁴¹ And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet and begged Him to come to his house,
⁴² for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.
⁴³ Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,
⁴⁴ came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
⁴⁵ And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' "
⁴⁶ But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me."
⁴⁷ Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
⁴⁸ And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
⁴⁹ While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."
⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well."
⁵¹ When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl.
⁵² Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping."
⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
⁵⁴ But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise."
⁵⁵ Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.
⁵⁶ And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Luke chapter 8 niv

¹ 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 Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
⁴ 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 ate it up.
⁶ Some fell on rocky ground, 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, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them 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 rocky ground 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.
¹⁶ "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put 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 they think they have will be taken from them."
¹⁹ 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."
²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us 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."
²⁶ 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.
²⁸ When he 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 impure 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.
³⁰ Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him.
³¹ And they begged Jesus 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 the pigs, 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.
³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.
³⁸ 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.
⁴⁰ Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
⁴¹ Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house
⁴² because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.
⁴³ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.
⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
⁴⁵ "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
⁴⁶ But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
⁴⁷ Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.
⁴⁸ Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
⁴⁹ While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore."
⁵⁰ Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
⁵¹ When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother.
⁵² Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
⁵³ They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
⁵⁴ But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!"
⁵⁵ Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
⁵⁶ Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Luke chapter 8 esv

¹ Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him,
² and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
³ and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
⁴ And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable,
⁵ "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it.
⁶ And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
⁷ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.
⁸ And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold." As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
⁹ And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,
¹⁰ he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'
¹¹ Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
¹² The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
¹³ And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.
¹⁴ And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
¹⁵ As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
¹⁶ "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
¹⁷ For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
¹⁸ Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
¹⁹ Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd.
²⁰ And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you."
²¹ But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."
²² One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out,
²³ and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.
²⁴ And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
²⁵ He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.
²⁷ When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs.
²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me."
²⁹ For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.)
³⁰ Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," for many demons had entered him.
³¹ And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss.
³² Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission.
³³ Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.
³⁴ When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.
³⁵ Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.
³⁶ And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed.
³⁷ Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.
³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
³⁹ "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
⁴⁰ Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.
⁴¹ And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house,
⁴² for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him.
⁴³ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone.
⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.
⁴⁵ And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!"
⁴⁶ But Jesus said, "Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me."
⁴⁷ And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.
⁴⁸ And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."
⁴⁹ While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more."
⁵⁰ But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well."
⁵¹ And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.
⁵² And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, "Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping."
⁵³ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
⁵⁴ But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise."
⁵⁵ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.
⁵⁶ And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Luke chapter 8 nlt

¹ Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him,
² along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons;
³ Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.
⁴ One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him:
⁵ "A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it.
⁶ Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture.
⁷ Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants.
⁸ Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!" When he had said this, he called out, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."
⁹ His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
¹⁰ He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: 'When they look, they won't really see.
When they hear, they won't understand.'
¹¹ "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word.
¹² The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.
¹³ The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.
¹⁴ The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
¹⁵ And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
¹⁶ "No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.
¹⁷ For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
¹⁸ "So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."
¹⁹ Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn't get to him because of the crowd.
²⁰ Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you."
²¹ Jesus replied, "My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God's word and obey it."
²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and started out.
²³ As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.
²⁴ The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.
²⁵ Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" The disciples were terrified and amazed. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!"
²⁶ So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee.
²⁷ As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town.
²⁸ As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don't torture me!"
²⁹ For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon's power.
³⁰ Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, for he was filled with many demons.
³¹ The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit.
³² There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs. So Jesus gave them permission.
³³ Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.
³⁴ When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran.
³⁵ People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus' feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.
³⁶ Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed.
³⁷ And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake.
³⁸ The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying,
³⁹ "No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you." So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.
⁴⁰ On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him.
⁴¹ Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come home with him.
⁴² His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds.
⁴³ A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure.
⁴⁴ Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.
⁴⁵ "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, "Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you."
⁴⁶ But Jesus said, "Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me."
⁴⁷ When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed.
⁴⁸ "Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
⁴⁹ While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now."
⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed."
⁵¹ When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn't let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl's father and mother.
⁵² The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, "Stop the weeping! She isn't dead; she's only asleep."
⁵³ But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died.
⁵⁴ Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, "My child, get up!"
⁵⁵ And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
⁵⁶ Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened.