Luke 8a Commentary
Among the disciples were some women: Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and many others. These women supported the ministry out of their own means. Verse 3.
The gospels may portray the picture of a hyper-spiritual environment in which miracles are flowing everywhere, including miracles to meet their own needs.
There is sufficient evidence that Jesus’ ministry was ‘normal’ business. It needed the support of a formidable team of women who worked, and each had an income good enough to support the ministry.
We shall read about the treasurer, Judas. We shall read about the disciples going to buy food from the normal shops in town. Jesus would attend parties and accept invitations to meals. It brings us back home to our own environment. Righteousness must be exercised within our own environment!
Parables are a powerful teaching aid. It should help even slow learners! But some people were simply impossible. Yesterday, we learned how John’s hardline sermons were rejected. Jesus was all tenderness and persuasive, but he, too, was rejected. Nothing works with wicked people!
The parable of the sower teaches us the importance of an environment that receives the word of God, retains it, grows it, and produces fruit in the end. It is a ‘to-do’ list of the Christian walk. You may want to reduce it to an action plan.
Hearing God’s word is great, but it is just a seed. Have it; keep it locked away in your heart; otherwise, it can be stolen. Grow it and tender it. Keep weeds, pests (birds), and thorns away. You have a part to play.
Fruits are visible. There is no secret holiness!
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