Archbishop Peter Jensen’s weekly online series on The Essential Jesus (the gospel of Luke). In each study the Archbishop will lead us through the book we intend on giving away to as many people as possible.
STEP 1: READING
Read Luke chapter 8, verses 1-25.
STEP 2: REFLECTION
We imagine that Jesus would have more success in sharing the good news of the kingdom than we do. But although great crowds gathered to hear him, he warned them that the word of God meets with different responses and has different purposes in the lives of people. The four soils he describes show how the word is received in various ways but often without final effect. There is a purpose in God's dealing with us which means that the word remains a 'secret' to some who are not alert to receive it. We are meant to listen and blamed for not listening. But sin makes us deaf. Furthermore even position or training, even family affinity to Jesus, is no guarantee of spiritual fruitfulness. Nor is experience - even the disciples were still asking who he was when he stilled the storm. 'Where is your faith?' he asked them.
STEP 3: DISCUSSION
1 What are the 'weeds' which Jesus enumerates in the lives of those who reject the word? In what ways are they still a problem?
2 How is it that some never penetrate the secret of the kingdom although it is explained to them?
3 What help is this passage to Christians as we share the word with others? Who is responsible for the acceptance of the word?
Ask your questions
Ask your questions about each study as it goes up.
Previous studies click here and scroll down
Prepare for the next study by reading the rest of Luke chapter 8.
