GOD’S WORD SHINES AND BINDS

Luke 8:16-21 / Keywords 8:21

He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

 

A Lamp on a Stand

8:16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Footnotes

a. Luke 8:10 Isaiah 6:9

1. Following the parable of the sower, Jesus goes on to share about a lamp. When the seed of God's word grows in us and through perseverance bears fruit, it is like a lamp on a stand that shines for those in the darkness. The gospel is meant to bring the light of life to others in darkness. Those who have ears to hear and receive the gospel will grow brighter and brighter. The light of God’s love can do great things in the hearts of those who receive it and practice it.

2. Jesus' own family came to see him. When he was made aware of it, he used the occasion to acknowledge that those who hear God's word and put it into practice are his family. God's word put into practice binds humanity together. In God's grace and love, we belong to each other deeply and preciously like a loving, all inclusive, family.

Prayer Lord, give us open ears and open hearts to receive your word and put it into practice. May we shine your grace and love, creating a community of love.

One Word Put God’s word into practice