Thought on the Text
This fifth section of Luke’s portrayal of Jesus’ Galilean ministry continues to focus on the issue of Christ’s authority, but now the attention turns to the responses to that authority. Luke 8:4-21 shows how the Word of God reveals the way to God. The Word for Luke is the preached word of Jesus. That word can be compared to light, and those who are of Jesus’ “family” will obey it. Luke 8:22-56 reveals the extent of Jesus’ authority through a series of miracles, starting with Jesus’ control of nature and moving to demon exorcism, healing and then a resuscitation. Jesus has authority over everything.