Luke 8
Main Theme
Jesus saves by grace through faith.
Outline
- Jesus proclaims good news to all who will listen. (1-21)
- Key Verse - Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. (v. 1)
- Jesus did not discriminate as he proclaimed the good news of salvation through faith in him. However, the two parables here illustrate that not everyone will respond in faith, but the ones who do will cherish God’s Word and live by God’s Word.
- Jesus exercises authority over creation. (22-39)
- Key Verses - and they marveled, saying to one another, “who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?… Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss.” (vv. 25 & 30-31)
- As Lord, Jesus possesses authority over all creation. The raging sea and the spirit world were thought to be untamable, but with a word, the sea, the wind, and demons obey Jesus because he is Lord over all things.
- Jesus saves all who come to him in faith. (40-56)
- Key Verses - But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power had gone out from me…. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. (vv. 46 & 54-55)
- As Jesus was going to the daughter of a man who came to Jesus in faith that Jesus would heal his daughter, a woman with an incurable female medical condition interrupted his journey. This section illustrates a great truth found throughout the Bible: God is sovereign over all, while people are responsible for their actions. Jesus sovereignly healed the woman and brought the daughter back to life as the woman and the father came to Jesus in faith.
Gospel Connection
The gospel, the good news that there is salvation from sin through faith in Jesus, is for all people. Regardless of who someone is or what they have done, the gospel is for them, and Jesus will save them from their sin and unite them to God if they place their faith in him. Romans 1:16 says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Whole Bible Connection
Colossians 1:16 states For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Jesus has authority over creation because it was through him that creation came into existence. Whether it be people, the sea, the weather, or even spiritual beings, all things are accountable to Jesus and cannot operate outside of his sovereignty. All things exist to exalt Jesus and glorify God the Father.
Key Takeaways
Proclaim the gospel and prepare people’s hearts. As we see throughout the Bible, the gospel must be proclaimed to all people because all people have sinned against God and will be held accountable by him for their sin. Nothing we do can take away our sin. We could never do enough good things to outweigh our sin. All people need to be saved, and salvation can only come through hearing the gospel and responding in faith. Therefore, we must proclaim the gospel to all people, and, as we see in this chapter, we should do all that we can to prepare people’s hearts to receive the gospel. How Christians live their lives and the relationships they have with people can either soften people's hearts or harden their hearts toward Jesus.
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus alone. The works of Jesus are a result of his grace. No one is deserving of God’s mercy and compassion because we have all sinned against God. Therefore, no one deserves to be saved from and forgiven of their sin. Salvation is by grace. However, you must respond to the good news of Jesus in faith. There is no salvation apart from faith, just like there is no salvation apart from God’s grace. God must act in His grace; we must respond with faith in Jesus.