Read the Passage: Luke 8:4–25

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 8:4–25

Parable of the Soils (8:4–15)

The parable of the soils is one of just seven parables of Jesus that is recorded in each of the Synoptic Gospels. This parable marks a shift in Christ’s Galilean ministry. To elaborate, whereas before this point in time Jesus spoke to the crowds openly, after this point, Christ only taught in public using parables (cf. Matt. 13:34; Mark 4:34). Some people believe Jesus voiced parables in order to make His teachings easier for the crowds to understand. Yet after He gave the substance of the parable of the soils, Christ was asked by His disciples about the meaning of this parable (cf. Luke 8:9), as well as why He spoke in parables in general (cf. Matt. 13:10). In response, Jesus cited Isa. 6:9 and explained the reason why He spoke in parables was not to make His teachings clearer; rather, it was to hide the meaning of His teachings from the unbelieving crowds.

In Luke 8:11–15 Jesus explains the parable of the soils. Christ teaches that the seed in this parable is the Word of God. Next, Jesus explains the four different types of soil. First, the hard soil represents those who hear the gospel, yet do not receive it, for they are deceived by Satan. This may refer to those who are hostile to Christianity. Second, the rocky soil represents those who receive the gospel at first, but then fall away due to temptation. This may refer to those who are attracted to Christianity with bad motives. Third, the thorny soil represents those who initially accept the gospel, but then bear no fruit, for they are distracted by the world. This may refer to those who view religion as a means to earthly wealth. Fourth, the good soil represents those who receive the gospel and bear fruit, albeit with much patience. This refers to authentic followers of Christ.

Parable of the Lamp (8:16–18)

Although Jesus taught in parables to the crowds so that “seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand” (Luke 8:10), this did not mean that Christ’s ministry was a private, underground movement. Rather, as Jesus explains in the parable of the lamp, a lighted lamp is set “on a lamp-stand, that those who enter may see the light” (Luke 8:16). Indeed, the gospel must be spread, spiritual gifts must be used, and Christianity must be lived out. Moreover, in the Sermon on the Mount, Christ even taught, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). At the judgment, every hidden thing will be made known (cf. Matt. 10:26). Thus, Jesus exhorts His hearers, “Take heed how you hear” (Luke 6:18); for the lost must heed the gospel, and believers must listen to edifying things (cf. Prov. 13:20).

Calming of the Storm (8:19–25)

Luke 8:19–21 gives a brief narrative about Jesus’ interaction with his family members. This account, which is recorded in each of the Synoptic Gospels, is noteworthy, for it is one of just three occasions in the Gospels where Jesus’ brothers are mentioned—the other times being His rejection at Nazareth (cf. Matt. 13:54–58) and His rejection before the Feast of Tabernacles (cf. John 7:1–9). Note that Matthew and Mark name Jesus’ brothers as James, Joseph, Simon, and Jude, as well as mentioning that Christ had sisters (cf. Matt. 13:55–56; Mark 6:3). Of course, these were all half-siblings of Jesus, being biological children of Mary and Joseph. In this passage Christ took the occasion of the presence of His family to teach that those who accept the Scriptures have a kinship, as they are part of the family of God. Observe that this teaching was not a repudiation of his earthly family.

An account of Jesus and His disciples being in a boat during a storm is given in Luke 8:22–25. We know from the context that this event occurred on the Sea of Galilee, which is almost 700 feet below sea-level and is subject to sudden storms. On this occasion, Christ suggested that they all cross the sea (cf. Luke 8:22). Once on-board a boat, Jesus fell asleep, and a violent storm arose. When it appeared that they would all die, the disciples asked Christ, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). Jesus then awoke, calmed the storm, rebuked the disciples, and asked them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25). Note that with His question, Jesus was not implying that the disciples needed to work harder at generating their own faith. Rather, given all that they had seen with Him, Christ taught the disciples that they needed to trust the One who is faithful.

Application Questions:

1. Of Jesus’ more than thirty parables, which ones are the most memorable and/or the most meaningful to you?
2. Why would Jesus seek to hide the meaning of His parables from the crowds? Does such concealing of truth make Christ seem unjust?
3. Have you encountered the four different types of soil in your Christian life? How can you identify one type of soil from the others?
4. How shall we understand Jesus’ teachings about being willing to give up earthly family in order to follow Him?
5. What is faith? Why did Jesus rebuke the disciples for their fear and lack of faith? How do we get more faith?