Luke 8:4-15
Summary for Luke 8:4-15: 8:4-15 a The parable of the farmer scattering seed depicts people’s varied responses to Jesus’ ministry of proclaiming God’s Kingdom.8:5 b The custom in planting was first to scatter seed and then to plow it into the soil.
• The seed that fell on a footpath running through the fields would not be plowed in, so it was stepped on and eaten by birds.
8:6 c fell among rocks: Often there was a limestone layer nine to twelve inches under the soil, so that the rain was trapped and seed sprouted quickly in the moist soil. But when the rain stopped, the sun evaporated the trapped moisture and the plant died.
8:7 d fell among thorns: One type of weed looked very much like wheat as it grew, but it had larger roots and took away the moisture and nutrients that the wheat needed.
8:8 e Anyone with ears to hear meant everyone who was willing to listen.
8:10 f the secrets of the Kingdom of God: What was hidden in the past about God’s reign was now revealed through Jesus’ words and actions.
• When they look ... they won’t understand: This quote is from Isa 6:9 g (Greek version), a passage repeatedly used in the New Testament to explain Israel’s rejection of the gospel (see also Matt 13:14-15 h; Mark 4:12 i; John 12:40 j; Acts 28:26-27 k). In its original context, the passage refers to God’s certain judgment of Israel at the hands of the Assyrians. Israel’s sin and rebelliousness had taken them beyond the point of no return, so God blinded them in preparation for judgment. Those who rejected Jesus’ message were blind to the truth.
8:11 l The seed is God’s word: This refers to Jesus’ preaching of the Good News of the Kingdom.
8:12 m to have the devil come and take it away: Satan seeks to prevent unbelievers from seeing the truth.
8:13 n Deep roots indicate spiritual depth and maturity. The Greek word translated temptation can also mean “testing” or “trials.”
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