GOD’S WORD SHINES AND BINDS

Passage: Luke 8:16-21

Key verse: 21

NIV

A Lamp on a Stand

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.(A) 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.(B) 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.”(C)

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers(D)

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(E) 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.”(F)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

A Lamp Under a Jar

16 (A)(B)“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 (C)For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 (D)Take care then how you hear, (E)for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

19 (F)Then his mother and (G)his brothers[a] came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those (H)who hear the word of God and do it.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

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.

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