Day 287 – Matthew 13, Luke 8

Talking Points

• Jesus trained His disciples for the unimaginable task that would be before them. As they traveled along, Jesus taught the growing crowds in parables, later explaining them to His disciples. Maybe unnoticed by the disciples at the time, great truths that would be necessary for their ministry were made plain. For example, in the parables about soil and seed types, Jesus showed them the responses of people were beyond their control. What would be in their control, however, was the faithful sowing of the seed, the gospel of Christ.
• It is worth noting and needs saying — women held a vital place in the earthly ministry of Jesus. They did not play a side role, but an integral part! Perhaps church history has failed to make plain what Scripture reports. Women served, ministered, and were valued in Jesus’ ministry. Some women were even responsible for its financial support out of their own resources (Luke 8:3).
• Throughout this section, it appears that some things were not intended for all to hear or were meant to be kept secret. But, hearing wasn’t a matter of ears; it was a matter of the heart. The key to hearing was not having well-tuned ears, but a heart ready and willing to receive what was heard. Notice Jesus’ frequent call: “He who has ears, let him hear.” And, His command to His followers: “…take care how you listen” (Luke 8:18). As Jesus traveled back to His hometown, He preached the good news, even offering many astonishing signs. The people, however, refused to hear in faith. It wasn’t that Jesus wasn’t willing, it was that their hearts weren’t receptive. Today, may we be counted among those who “have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15).

Thoughts

Think about the “Gerasene Demoniac.” This man was just that — a man. He entered this world as someone’s little boy. Imagine his mother as she rocked him, her hopes and dreams for him swelling as she thought of all he might one day do. At one time, he had friends, and they laughed and played. Later, he’d had a schedule of things to do and places to go. His days were full of the events of life. Like me, he had a favorite food, one that made him glad in anticipation. “Tonight, we’re having ______!” And, he’d had a name, so much kinder than what he is remembered as now.

That was all gone. The “Gerasene Demoniac” stood as spoil of and a testimony to Satan. He was robbed of his dignity, his purpose, his future. Controlled by Satan, this man was “bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard” (Luke 8:29). Naked, he wreaked havoc on the world around him.

Until he met Jesus!

At the end of the account, the Bible records that this restored man begged Jesus, imploring Him to let him go with Him. Who else would he rather go with? Jesus had a different plan. “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.” (8:39)

Today, our mission is the same. Like this man, we are freed! Like him, we are restored! And, like this man, we are to go and tell the world what great things Jesus has done for us! My favorite part of the whole account is: “So he went” (8:39). May our stories end the same!