Luke, Chapter 8
Image inspired by the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8). Dancer, Tessa Priem
Welcome to week eight of Luke/Acts 2020. I'm so glad you're here! This week our structure is the same as Week Seven: 1) I give an introduction to the reading. 2) There's a recording of me reading the chapter. 3) Followed by questions and an explanation. 4) I'll post a hymn that you can read. 5) And we'll close with a prayer. Easy-peasy. If you have a Bible, great. Open it to Luke, chapter eight. If not, you can find Luke chapter eight online. Let's get started!
1) Introduction: As I mentioned from Chapter Four, Jesus was on a mission to bring the good news of the kingdom of God to those he met while traveling. God's mercy met folks wherever Jesus went! In Chapter Eight, we read another parable. Like Chapter Seven, today's reading is loaded with miracles.
2) Recording: Here's a recording of Luke, Chapter Eight.
luke_8.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stood out to you in this reading? What did you find most beautiful, and what was most challenging for you to read? You'll notice that women and Gentiles hold a prominent place in Luke's Gospel, and the crowds didn't fully understand Jesus' words when they heard them. Privately, however, Jesus taught his disciples what his words meant, yet even his closest followers marveled that he could calm a storm and heal a demon-possessed man. In Chapter Eight, we also read about a woman who bled for twelve years and how Jesus showed compassion on her and on the "least of these."
For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms. Be sure to scroll down to Chapter Eight, on page 20.
For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms. Be sure to scroll down to Chapter Eight, on page 20.
4) Hymn: Here's a reading of the hymn "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read.
jesus_savior_pilot_me.m4a |
Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treach'rous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee. Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist'rous waves obey Thy will When Thou say'st to them, "Be still!"
Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
When at last I near the shore And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."
Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treach'rous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee. Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist'rous waves obey Thy will When Thou say'st to them, "Be still!"
Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
When at last I near the shore And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to those you met; you brought words of peace, healing, and forgiveness. In this chapter, you didn't face too much opposition (thank God!), but people didn't understand you, and some were afraid of your power. Thank you for privately explaining your parable(s) to the disciples and that Luke records your explanation for us to learn. We ask that you help us to believe that you will calm our storms, and, like the demon-possessed man, help us to declare how much you have done in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention that I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I'm reading an ESV edition in this recording. Most of the hymns I choose are in the public domain.
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!
If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here (you can learn about my life story danced out)! I'm also writing my autobiography, and you can read about that journey. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts and learning about Jesus. Enjoy!