Many Women Support Christ’s Work

Afterward he was traveling from one town and village to another,(A) preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God.(B) The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses:(C) Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out(D) of her); Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who were supporting them from their possessions.

The Parable of the Sower

As a large crowd was gathering, and people were coming to Jesus from every town, he said in a parable,(E) “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some seed fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the sky devoured it. Other seed fell on the rock; when it grew up, it withered away, since it lacked moisture. Other seed fell among thorns; the thorns grew up with it and choked it. Still other seed fell on good ground; when it grew up, it produced fruit: a hundred times what was sown.”(F) As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”(G)

Why Jesus Used Parables

Then his disciples asked him, “What does this parable mean?” (H) 10 So he said, “The secrets of the kingdom of God have been given for you(I) to know, but to the rest it is in parables, so that

Looking they may not see,
and hearing they may not understand.[a](J)

The Parable of the Sower Explained

11 “This is the meaning of the parable:(K) The seed is the word of God.(L) 12 The seed along the path are those who have heard and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the seed on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy. Having no root, these believe for a while and fall away in a time of testing.(M) 14 As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life,(N) and produce no mature fruit. 15 But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring,(O) produce fruit.

Using Your Light

16 “No one, after lighting a lamp,(P) covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light.(Q) 17 For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and brought to light.(R) 18 Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; (S) and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

True Relationships

19 Then his mother and brothers(T) came to him,(U) but they could not meet with him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear and do the word of God.”(V)

Wind and Waves Obey Jesus

22 One day he and his disciples got into a boat,(W) and he told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.”(X) So they set out, 23 and as they were sailing he fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger. 24 They came and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to die!”

Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm.(Y) 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

They were fearful and amazed, asking one another, “Who then is this?(Z) He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him!”

Demons Driven Out by Jesus

26 Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[b](AA) which is opposite Galilee. 27 When he got out on land, a demon-possessed man from the town met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes and did not stay in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out,(AB) fell down before him, and said in a loud voice, “What do you have to do with me,(AC) Jesus, Son of the Most High God?(AD) I beg you, don’t torment me!” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was guarded, bound by chains and shackles, he would snap the restraints and be driven by the demon into deserted places.

30 “What is your name?” Jesus asked him.

“Legion,”(AE) he said, because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to banish them to the abyss.(AF)

32 A large herd of pigs was there, feeding on the hillside. The demons begged him to permit them to enter the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 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 men who tended them saw what had happened, they ran off and reported it in the town and in the countryside. 35 Then people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man the demons had departed from, sitting at Jesus’s feet,(AG) dressed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 Meanwhile, the eyewitnesses reported to them how the demon-possessed man was delivered.(AH) 37 Then all the people of the Gerasene region[c] asked him to leave them,(AI) because they were gripped by great fear. So getting into the boat, he returned.

38 The man from whom the demons had departed begged him earnestly to be with him. But he sent him away and said, 39 “Go back to your home, and tell all that God has done for you.” And off he went, proclaiming throughout the town how much Jesus had done for him.

A Girl Restored and a Woman Healed

40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him,(AJ) for they were all expecting him.(AK) 41 Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue.(AL) He fell down at Jesus’s feet and pleaded with him to come to his house, 42 because he had an only daughter(AM) about twelve years old, and she was dying.

While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him.(AN) 43 A woman suffering from bleeding(AO) for twelve years,(AP) who had spent all she had on doctors[d] and yet could not be healed by any, 44 approached from behind and touched the end of his robe.(AQ) Instantly her bleeding stopped.

45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter[e] said, “Master,(AR) the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you.”[f]

46 “Someone did touch me,” said Jesus. “I know that power has gone out from me.”(AS) 47 When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched him and how she was instantly healed. 48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has saved you.[g] Go in peace.”(AT)

49 While he was still speaking,(AU) someone came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother(AV) the teacher(AW) anymore.”

50 When Jesus heard it, he answered him, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved.”[h] 51 After he came to the house, he let no one enter with him except Peter, John, James,(AX) and the child’s father and mother. 52 Everyone was crying(AY) and mourning for her.(AZ) But he said, “Stop crying, because she is not dead but asleep.”(BA)

53 They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead. 54 So he[i] took her by the hand(BB) and called out, “Child, get up!”(BC) 55 Her spirit returned,(BD) and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened.(BE)

Footnotes

  1. 8:10 Is 6:9
  2. 8:26 Other mss read the Gadarenes
  3. 8:37 Other mss read the Gadarenes
  4. 8:43 Other mss omit who had spent all she had on doctors
  5. 8:45 Other mss add and those with him
  6. 8:45 Other mss add and you say, ‘Who touched me?’
  7. 8:48 Or has made you well
  8. 8:50 Or she will be made well
  9. 8:54 Other mss add having put them all outside

Women Support Jesus

Soon afterward, [a]Jesus began going around from one city and village to another, (A)proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also (B)some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: (C)Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, (D)Herod’s (E)steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

Parable of the Sower

(F)Now when a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and when it came up, it withered away because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. And yet other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as much.” As He said these things, He would call out, (G)The one who has ears to hear, [b]let him hear.”

(H)Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable [c]meant. 10 And He said, (I)To you it has been granted to know the [d]mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are told in parables, so that [e](J)while seeing they may not see, and [f]while hearing they may not understand.

11 “Now this is the parable: (K)the seed is the word of God. 12 And those beside the road are the ones who have heard, then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; [g]they believe for a while, and in a time of temptation they [h]fall away. 14 And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word [i]with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with [j]perseverance.

Parable of the Lamp

16 “Now (L)no one lights a lamp and covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light. 17 (M)For nothing is concealed that will not become evident, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 So take care how you listen; (N)for whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he [k]thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

19 (O)Now His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these (P)who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus Stills the Sea

22 (Q)Now on one of those days [l]Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of (R)the lake.” So they launched out. 23 But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on (S)the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. 24 They came up to Jesus and woke Him, saying, “(T)Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and (U)rebuked the wind and the surging [m]waves, and they stopped, and [n]it became calm. 25 And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” But they were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?”

The Demon-possessed Man Cured

26 (V)Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out onto the land, a man from the city met Him who was possessed with demons; and he had not put on clothing for a long time and was not living in a house, but among the tombs. 28 And seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, and said with a loud voice, “[o](W)What business do You have with me, Jesus, Son of (X)the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29 For He had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break the restraints and be driven by the demon into the desert. 30 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “(Y)Legion”; because many demons had entered him. 31 And they were begging Him not to command them to go away into (Z)the abyss.

32 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding there on the mountain; and the demons begged Him to permit them to enter [p]the pigs. And He gave them permission. 33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into (AA)the lake and was drowned.

34 Now when the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported everything in the city, and in the country. 35 And the people came out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down (AB)at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened. 36 Those who had seen everything reported to them how the man who had been (AC)demon-possessed had been [q]made well. 37 And all the [r]people of the territory of the Gerasenes and the surrounding region asked Him to leave them, because they were overwhelmed by great fear; and He got into a boat and returned. 38 (AD)But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might [s]accompany Him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home and describe what great things God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Miracles of Healing

40 (AE)And as Jesus was returning, the [t]people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. 41 (AF)And a man named Jairus came, and he was an [u](AG)official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and began urging Him to come to his house; 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.

43 And a woman who had suffered a chronic flow of blood for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His [v]cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “(AH)Master, the [w]people are crowding and pressing in on You.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that (AI)power had left Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and admitted in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, (AJ)your faith has [x]made you well; (AK)go in peace.”

49 While He was still speaking, someone *came from the house of (AL)the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” 50 But when Jesus heard this, He responded to him, (AM)Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be [y]made well.” 51 When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him except Peter, John, and James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52 Now they were all weeping and (AN)mourning for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but (AO)is asleep.” 53 And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. 54 He, however, took her by the hand and spoke [z]forcefully, saying, “Child, arise!” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that something be given her to eat. 56 Her parents were amazed; but He (AP)instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Footnotes

  1. Luke 8:1 Lit He Himself
  2. Luke 8:8 Or hear! Or listen!
  3. Luke 8:9 Lit was
  4. Luke 8:10 I.e., secrets
  5. Luke 8:10 Or though seeing, they will not
  6. Luke 8:10 Or though hearing, they will not
  7. Luke 8:13 Lit who believe
  8. Luke 8:13 I.e., from the faith
  9. Luke 8:15 Or in
  10. Luke 8:15 Or endurance
  11. Luke 8:18 Or seems to have
  12. Luke 8:22 Lit He
  13. Luke 8:24 Lit waves of water
  14. Luke 8:24 Lit a calm occurred
  15. Luke 8:28 Lit What to me and to you (an ancient idiom)
  16. Luke 8:32 Lit those
  17. Luke 8:36 Lit saved
  18. Luke 8:37 Lit multitude
  19. Luke 8:38 Lit be with
  20. Luke 8:40 Lit crowd
  21. Luke 8:41 Lit ruler
  22. Luke 8:44 Or outer garment
  23. Luke 8:45 Lit crowds
  24. Luke 8:48 Lit saved you
  25. Luke 8:50 Lit saved
  26. Luke 8:54 Lit loudly