OK, something I've never noticed before is verse 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.
Looking at the different commentaries available on biblegate.com there is uncertainty whether Joanna was a widow or if her husband, Chuza, was the current business manager of Herod. Interesting to think that Herod had someone that close to him that was a possible believer if Jesus.
I love the fact that Luke made a point to mention the women involved in Jesus' ministry. A reminder that God does want to use women.
I also love the fact that Jesus calls those who obey His words family (19-21):
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to see you.”
Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”
This chapter is rich with life lessons and reminders of God's power. What portion speaks to your heart today?
I'm really struck today by all the different mentions of "fear" in this chapter. The demons are seized by fear of Jesus--a holy fear. Then the Gadarenes fear Him when they learn what He did, and beg Him to leave--a not-so-holy fear, and one I've always been curious about.
ReplyDeleteThen the storm, where the disciples fear and Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith.
And finally, when Jairus's servant comes to say his daughter is dead, Jesus says, "Do not fear, only believe."
Wow. Do not fear that death has interfered with your purpose--do not fear that nature might destroy you. Fear only the power of the Lord, with reverence and worship. Hmm, I should get out my Greek and see if the same word is used for all of these . . . I'll go fetch that from the car in a bit to see. =)
"26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes,[c] 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 a cemetery outside the town."
ReplyDeleteI often wonder about this story and I can't help but think that this man described as "possessed by demons" was, in fact, mentally ill. People were probably frightened of him and treating him like a wild animal, chaining him up. Jesus saw this man as a child of God and treated him as such. He wasn't afraid of him because he knew that the man had a good soul in spite of the "demons" (or mental illness). And, the results of this healing gave this man a new hope and a connection to love.
Just my twist on the tale...:-)
Luke 8
ReplyDelete17 There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. There is nothing kept secret that will not come to light.
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2 Also, some women were with Him. They had been cured from evil spirits and various illnesses.
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35 The people went to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out. Dressed and in his right mind, he was sitting at Jesus’ feet. The people were frightened.
39 “Go home to your family, and tell them how much God has done for you.” So the man left. He went through the whole city and told people how much Jesus had done for him.
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47 The woman saw that she couldn’t hide. Trembling, she quickly bowed in front of Him. There, in front of all the people, she told why she touched Him and how she was cured at once.
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53-55 They laughed at Him because they knew she was dead. But Jesus took her hand and called out, “Child, get up!” She came back to life and got up at once.
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He touched me. Oh, He touched me. And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole.
--Bill & Gloria Gaither
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhuHOz9-W98
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He Touched Me lyrics
Bill & Gloria Gaither
Shackled by a heavy burden,
'Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.
He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.
Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him,
I'll shout it while eternity rolls.
He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.