God’s Word For Today

Luke 9:10–17 (ESV)10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”15 And they did so, and had them all sit down.16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.After a demanding ministry journey, Jesus brings the disciples aside to rest. But the crowds follow—and instead of sending them away, Jesus welcomes them, teaches them, and heals them. As evening comes, the need becomes overwhelming.Then Jesus gives a command that seems impossible:“You give them something to eat.”This passage teaches us:✔ Compassion often interrupts our plans✔ God commands what we cannot do on our own✔ Faith grows when we obey despite insufficiency✔ Jesus multiplies what we surrender to Him✔ Ministry depends on God's power, not our resourcesThe disciples saw impossibility.Jesus saw an opportunity to teach them to trust.

Luke 9:7–9 (ESV)7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead,8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen.9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.Herod Antipas hears reports about Jesus—and his heart is deeply troubled.Guilt, fear, and spiritual blindness collide as rumors spread that John the Baptist has risen from the dead.This passage reminds us:✔ A guilty conscience produces fear✔ Sin unconfessed leads to inner unrest✔ Curiosity about Jesus is not the same as repentance✔ Political power cannot silence spiritual truth✔ There is no lasting peace for the wickedHerod's question still echoes today:“Who is this?”But unlike humble seekers, Herod seeks Jesus out of fear—not faith.

Matthew 1:21 (ESV)21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”The angel's message to Joseph is clear and unmistakable: the child's name must be Jesus, because His mission is salvation—not political freedom, not temporary relief, but deliverance from sin.This verse reveals the very heart of the gospel.Jesus is not merely a teacher or reformer—His name declares His purpose.This passage reminds us:✔ Jesus' name reveals His identity✔ Salvation from sin is humanity's greatest need✔ God's plan of redemption is intentional and specific✔ Christ came to rescue, not merely reform✔ The gospel addresses the root problem of the human heartThe name Jesus means “Yahweh saves.”And that is exactly what He came to do.

Luke 9:1–6 (ESV)1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.Jesus calls the twelve and empowers them—giving both power and authority to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. This is the moment when the disciples move from learners to active participants in Christ's mission.This passage reminds us:✔ Power comes from Jesus, not ourselves✔ Authority is given to accomplish God's purpose✔ Ministry requires dependence, not self-reliance✔ Faith grows when we trust God's provision✔ Rejection does not cancel God's callingThe disciples go out with nothing—but return having witnessed God work through obedient faith.

Luke 8:40–42; 49–56 (ESV)40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house,42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.”50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.”53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.Jairus comes to Jesus desperate—his twelve-year-old daughter is dying. Before Jesus arrives, the worst news comes: “Your daughter is dead.” To everyone else, hope is gone. To Jesus, the situation is not over.With calm authority and deep compassion, Jesus says:“Do not fear; only believe.”This passage teaches us:✔ Faith is tested most when hope seems lost✔ Delay is not denial in God's plan✔ Fear limits what we believe Jesus can do✔ Jesus has authority over death itself✔ God's power is not diminished by human impossibilityWhen Jesus speaks, death listens—and life responds.

Luke 8:40–48 (ESV)40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house,42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him.43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone.44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!”46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”On His way to heal Jairus' dying daughter, Jesus is suddenly interrupted—not by words, but by a touch of desperate faith.Among the pressing crowd, only one person touched Him in a way that drew divine power.This passage teaches us:✔ Faith can reach Jesus even in desperation✔ Not every touch is a touch of faith✔ Jesus notices the unseen and the overlooked✔ Grace restores both body and dignity✔ Faith brings peace, not condemnationThe woman touched the hem of His garment quietly, hoping not to be noticed—but Jesus stopped everything to bring her healing into the light.

Luke 8:34–39 (ESV)34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.36 And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed.37 Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.A community witnesses a powerful miracle: a man once ruled by demons is now calm, clothed, and sitting at Jesus' feet. Yet instead of rejoicing, the people respond with fear and ask Jesus to leave.The delivered man begs to go with Jesus—but receives a different calling.This passage teaches us:✔ Fear can reject even God's grace✔ Jesus' power exposes hearts, not just demons✔ True discipleship includes obedience to Christ's command✔ Testimony is a powerful form of mission✔ God uses transformed lives to reach whole communitiesJesus sends the man back—not as a spectator, but as a witness.He obeys immediately, proclaiming what God has done for him.

Luke 8:26–33 (ESV)26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.27 When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs.28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.”29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.)30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him.31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss.32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission.33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.Jesus crosses into a Gentile region and immediately confronts a man possessed by a legion of demons. Though uncontrollable by human strength, the demons recognize Jesus instantly—calling Him “Son of the Most High God.”This encounter reveals a sobering truth:✔ Demons recognize Jesus' absolute authority✔ Darkness submits when Christ speaks✔ No bondage is beyond His power✔ Evil must ask permission from the Son of God✔ True freedom begins when Jesus commands releaseEven the demons know who Jesus is—and they beg before Him.

Luke 8:22–25 (ESV)22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out,23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”A violent storm threatens the disciples' lives while Jesus sleeps peacefully in the boat.Fear overwhelms seasoned fishermen—but with a single rebuke, Jesus silences wind and waves.This miracle reveals more than power over nature—it reveals who Jesus truly is.This passage teaches us:✔ Jesus is sovereign even when He seems silent✔ Fear exposes where our faith is weak✔ Creation obeys the voice of its Creator✔ Storms do not mean Jesus is absent✔ Faith grows as our understanding of Christ deepensThe disciples ask the right question:“Who then is this?”And the answer points directly to Jesus as Lord over chaos itself.

Luke 8:19–21 (ESV)19 Then his mother and his brothers 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 who hear the word of God and do it.”Jesus' family comes seeking Him, yet they cannot reach Him because of the crowd. In response, Jesus reveals a profound truth: true family is not defined by blood, but by obedience to God's Word.Luke emphasizes hearing—a major theme throughout chapter 8. Just as good soil receives the seed, true disciples receive God's Word and live it out. Hearing alone is not enough; obedience reveals genuine belonging to Christ.This passage reminds us:✔ Spiritual intimacy is shown through obedience✔ True discipleship goes beyond proximity to Jesus✔ God's family is formed by faith and obedience✔ Listening to God's Word must lead to action✔ Grace is offered repeatedly until hearts respond

Luke 8:1-3 ESV 4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.' 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.WHAT KIND OF HEART YOU HAVE?The description of a man's heart is determined by our responses to God's word as the soil's reception of the seed. A sower scattering seeds on the ground. But, the ground has different soil types, which includes a path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and good soil. The seed is the word of God. Meaning. While God's word is shared universally, its impact are not the same. It is only those on good soil—who hear, understand, and cultivate the word—will bear lasting fruit. There are four types of hearts represented by the types of soil the seed fell, namely;The pathway: The word is heard but not understood, as the devil snatches it away before it can take root. Satan who comes upon people who have heard the word of God and "takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved" (Luke 8:12).The rocky: The person receives the word with joy but falls away when trials or persecution arise because they have no deep roots. Jesus is implying a base of stone with a thin layer of dirt on top. The person casting seeds won't realize it's so shallow. These people acknowledge only the parts of God's Word that sound pleasant and easy will not lead to a firm faith that can withstand life's inevitable trials.The thorny: The word is heard but is choked by the worries of this life, greed, or desire for riches, preventing it from producing fruit. Let's recall that thorns and weeds were punishment against Adam because he disobeyed God (Genesis 3:17–19). They are a constant reminder of sin, specifically, the sin of looking to something other than God for life. Jesus' interpretation matches this. He compares the thorns to the "cares and riches and pleasures of life" (Luke 8:14) that distract us from God's true Word. Nothing should keep us from following Jesus, even if it means suffering and sacrifices on our partThe good: The person hears the word, understands it, and lives it out, leading to a fruitful life that makes a significant impact. A soil that readily takes the seed, nourishes it, and produces fruit. If our hearts are softened and ready for God's Word, Christ's truth will impact our entire lives, allowing us to display the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). These behaviors and actions glorify God and show love to others.Follow us on various media platforms: https://linktr.ee/gospellightfilipino#gospellightfilipino#Godswordfortoday

Luke 8:1-3 ESV 1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. FAITHFUL WOMEN DISCIPLESAs Jesus travels, He continues to proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is near, confirming His words by healing and expelling demons.The "kingdom of God," also called the "kingdom of heaven." God's kingdom includes any manifestation of His sovereignty, power, and authority over creation. When His kingdom is "near," His authority is especially noticeable. In this context, that means that people listen to and accept what Jesus says about God, Himself, repentance, and the right way of living in light of God's authority. Jesus also brings the kingdom when He rescues people from the fall. He overcomes pain, illness, and demonic activity. With Jesus' first coming, He inaugurated God's kingdom on earth; when He comes again, He will complete God's kingdom. Thus, this dispensation is called as the ‘now and not yet' period.Jesus is not a typical rabbi, and He attracts the most unlikely disciples. The group includes fishermen, a tax collector, a Zealot, and a traitor (see Luke 6:12–16). This is not a conventional list, that He trains and commissions to extend His message of good news (see Luke 9:1–6) and sacrifice for His name. (see Luke 9:23–27, 57–62). They were with Him to build the church. (Acts 1—2). He has mentioned that the women "had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities" (Luke 8:2), but aside from mentioning Mary Magdalene's former demonization, he does not specify which women Jesus healed from which infirmities. While Luke names three women specifically, he also notes that there were "many others."The next is Joanna. She is also mentioned with Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb and as one of several who told the Twelve that Jesus had risen (Luke 24:10). Her position in society is less clear. She is married to Chuza. Chuza's role as "household manager" –"steward" in NASB—is unclear. The Greek root word is from "permission" or "commission." So, Chuza had some authority over Herod Antipas's court. Scholars posit he was the steward over Herod's household.Even less is known about Susanna, and she is not mentioned, at least by name, outside of this verse. She is not related to the apocryphal book Susanna, since that was written about a woman in the time of Daniel. That Joanna is identified by her husband, whereas Mary and Susanna are not, suggests the latter two are either unmarried or their husbands are not well known in the church.They provided for them out of their means. "Provided" uses the same Greek root as "serve [tables]" in Acts 6:2 when the early church chose the first deacons. That doesn't mean the women are officially church deacons. Early manuscripts are divided as to whether the text says the women provide for Him or them. Matthew 27:55 and Mark 15:41 say the women minister to and follow Him. Whatever the language used, it appears Jesus and the disciples shared one money bag (John 12:6), so the funds went to all of them even if they were given in appreciation of just Jesus.The Gospels and Acts mention several faithful women. Luke has already noted Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–45), Mary (Luke 1:26–38), Anna (Luke 2:36–38), and the sinful woman (Luke 7:37–50).4 Soon, he will include the woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43–48), and, in Acts, many of these same women (Acts 1:14), Tabitha (Acts 9:36–42), Mark's mother Mary (Acts 12:12), Lydia (Acts 16:11–15), Priscilla (Acts 18:24–26), and Philip's daughters (Acts 21:8–9).Follow us on various media platforms: https://linktr.ee/gospellightfilipino

Luke 8:22–25 (ESV)22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out,23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”A violent storm threatens the disciples' lives while Jesus sleeps peacefully in the boat.Fear overwhelms seasoned fishermen—but with a single rebuke, Jesus silences wind and waves.This miracle reveals more than power over nature—it reveals who Jesus truly is.This passage teaches us:✔ Jesus is sovereign even when He seems silent✔ Fear exposes where our faith is weak✔ Creation obeys the voice of its Creator✔ Storms do not mean Jesus is absent✔ Faith grows as our understanding of Christ deepensThe disciples ask the right question:“Who then is this?”And the answer points directly to Jesus as Lord over chaos itself.