PT-1 Intro to “Receptivity to the Gospel: The Parable of the Soils” (Luke 8:4-15)

 

EVENING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/7/2026 8:33 PM

My Worship Time     Focus:  PT-1 Intro to “Receptivity to the Gospel: The Parable of the Soils”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                Reference:  “Luke 8:4-15”

            Message of the verses:  “4 Now when a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: 5 “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 6 Other seed fell on rocky soil, and when it came up, it withered away because it had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. 8 And yet other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as much.” As He said these things, He would call out, “The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 9 Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable meant. 10 And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are told in parables, so that while seeing they may not see, and while hearing they may not understand. 11 “Now this is the parable: the seed is the word of God. 12 And those beside the road are the ones who have heard, then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; they believe for a while, and in a time of temptation they fall away. 14 And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.

            As per usual I will quote this introduction from the commentary of John MacArthur.

            “The good news of salvation is so inexplicably wonderful and glorious that words cannot express its magnificence.  Those who have experienced salvation’s blessings—forgiveness of sin (Acts 10:43) and freedom from its tyranny (Rom. 6:1-7); justification (Rom. 3:20-28); eternal life (John 3:16); peace with God (Rom 5:1); adoption into the family of God (Rom. 8:15); the indwelling (2 Tim. 1:14); filling (Eph. 5:18); and empowering (Acts 1:8) of the Holy Spirit; a clear conscience (Heb. 10:22); the hope of heaven (1 Peter 1:4); the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) revealed in the word of truth (John 17:17)—find it hard to understand how anyone could reject it.  After all, who would turn down eternal life in favor of eternal punishment?  Who would hold on to hell and reject heaven? Who would refuse everlasting joy and peace and in its place prefer instead misery and pain?”  Now I am going to quote all of these verses in the order that they are in in this paragraph.

(Acts 10:43)

“43  To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

(Rom. 6:1-7)

“1 ¶  What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2  By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7  For one who has died has been set free from sin.”

(Rom. 3:20-28)

“20  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25  whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26  It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27  Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28  For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

(John 3:16)

“16  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

(Rom 5:1)

“1 ¶  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Rom. 8:15)

“15  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

(2 Tim. 1:14)

“14  By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”

(Eph. 5:18)

18  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”

(Acts 1:8)

“8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

(Heb. 10:22)

“22  let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

(1 Peter 1:4)

“4  to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”

(1 Cor. 2:16)

“16  “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

(John 17:17)

“17 ¶  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

9/7/2026 9:12 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Materially” (Luke 8:3b)

 

MORNING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/7/2026 9:55 AM

My Worship Time                      Focus:  “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Materially”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                       Reference:  Luke 8:3b

            Message of the verse:  “and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.”

            This morning I have come to the end of the 19^th chapter from John MacArthur’s commentary on the Gospel of Luke which covers the first three verses in the eight chapter of Luke.

            In yesterday’s SD we were looking at some of the women who were supporting the ministry of Jesus, and this morning we will see that in addition to the woman mentioned in my last SD there were many others, both men and women, that supported Christ’s ministry by contributing to their, speaking of Jesus and the Twelve, support out of their private means.  Jesus’ ministry depended on the small contributions of others whose lives He had changed, and I think that is still the pattern in todays Church.  The disciples had left everything to follow Him as seen in Matthew (19:27), and this included their professions (Mark 1:20; Luke 5:28) and their homes (Luke 18:28).

(Matt. 19:27)

“27  Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

(Mark 1:20; Luke 5:28)

20  And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.”

“28  And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.”

(Luke 18:28)

“28  And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”

MacArthur writes “Jesus Himself had ‘nowhere to lay His head’ (Luke 9:58), and at the time of His death owned nothing but the clothes He wore (Luke 23:34).”

(Luke 23:34)

34  And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

“The meager contributions they received were generous enough that Jesus and the Twelve were able to contribute to the poor (John 13:29).”

(John 13:29)

“29  Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.”

“None of them personally prospered, as the frustration of Judas evidences (John 12:1-6).”

(John 12:1-6)

“1 ¶  Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2  So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3  Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4  But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5  “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6  He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.”

            “The Lord’s ministry demonstrates the biblical principle that ‘those who proclaim the gospel [are] to get their living from the gospel’ (1 Cor. 9:14; cf. Luke 10:7; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).”

(1 Cor. 9:14; cf. Luke 10:7; 1 Tim. 5:17-18)

“14  In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”

“7  And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.”

“17 ¶  Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18  For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

“Therefore ‘the one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him’ (Gal. 6:6).  That does not repay believers’ debt to God.  The debt of sin they could never pay has been paid in full by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 2:13-14) and they no longer owe it.”

(Col. 2:13-14)

“13 ¶  And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14  by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

“But transformed by God’s grace Christians, out of love and gratitude, seek to imitate the sacrificial loving grace He bestowed on them.

            “The Lord Jesus Christ carried out God’s sovereign will, ministered where God placed Him, proclaimed God’s message, poured Himself into discipling a few faithful men, embraced both men and women from all walks of life, and depended on the contributions of those who had benefited from His ministry.  He is the perfect model for all those who serve Him in gratitude and love.”

Spiritual Meaning for my Life Today:  I like the statement that says that believers cannot do anything to gain their salvation on their own, but once they are saved then they are to support the church where God puts them.  I did not go to church for four years after I became a believer, but then after that I knew that God wanted me in a church.  I suppose that many unbelievers are saved in a church setting but that was not the case for me, however I was attending Bible studies at a Christian book store and had fellowship there for the first four years after becoming a believer.  I am thankful to the Lord for His patience that He had with me.

My Steps of Faith for Today:  I am trusting the Lord to continue to guide me, to give me strength to just get up each morning and try to do what He is leading me to do for the cause of Christ.  I am going through the most difficult time in my life right now, yet I know that the homegoing of my dear wife was all in the plans of God, yet it has left a very large hole in my life, but I continue to trust the Lord to show me what the next steps will be in my life.

9/7/2026 10:54 AM

 

 

 

“The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Socially” (Luke 8:2-3a)

 

EVENING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/6/2026 8:59 PM

My Worship Time                           Focus: “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Socially”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                    Reference:  Luke 8:2-3a

            Message of the verses:  “and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna,”

            As we look at these verses, we can see that not only were there twelve men traveling with Jesus, but, surprisingly, also some women.  Now for a rabbi to have women accompanying Him was virtually unprecedented.  Like many others in the ancient world, the rabbis had a low view of women and so they refused to teach them.  Jesus’ action was politically incorrect; it flew in the face of conventional wisdom.  Given the lowly status of women in Jewish society, they had little influence they could use to help Him.  However despite that these women traveled with Jesus, though not necessarily all of the time, or all at once, they had been healed spiritually  of evil spirits and physically of sickness.  How many there were is not stated, but Luke names three of the many others who followed the Lord.  You can imagine that this entourage made Jesus socially unacceptable when measured by rabbinic standards.

            Mary who was called Magdalene and this was after her hometown of Magdala, which was on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee about three miles north of Tiberias, figures prominently in the accounts of the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:47; John 20:1-18).

(Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:47; John 20:1-18)

“56  among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”

“47  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.”

“1 ¶  Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2  So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3  So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4  Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5  And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6  Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7  and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8  Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9  for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10  Then the disciples went back to their homes.

    11 ¶  But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12  And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13  They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14  Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17  Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18  Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord “—and that he had said these things to her.”

MacArthur writes “This is her only other appearance in the Gospels. (As noted in the previous chapter of this volume, she was not the sinful woman who anointed Jesus as the house of Simon the Pharisee [Luke 7:36-50]).  Nor does the fact that seven demons had gone out of her prove that she had lived an immoral life, since there is no necessary connection between demon possession and immorality.

            “Joanna was the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward (a high ranking official, possibly the manager of Antipas’ estate).  (Luke 23:55; 24:10), and probably the crucifixion as well.”

(Luke 23:55; 24:10)

“55  The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.”

“10  Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,”

“Christ’s influence reached into Herod Antipas’ household, as well as the tiny village of Magdala.  Another person close to Herod Antipas, Manaen, would later become one of the leaders of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1).”

(Acts 13:1)

“1 ¶  Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.”

            “Nothing is known of Susanna, since Luke gives no information about her, and her name appears nowhere else in Scripture.

            “Jesus brought into the kingdom all whom the Father gave Him (John 6:37), men and women from every strata of live.”

(John 6:37)

“37  All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

“There were no limits on the scope of His ministry in that regard.  Women, including Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-60), Mary (Luke 1-2), Anna (Luke 2:36-38), Peter’s mother-in-law (Matt. 8:14-15), the widow of Nain (Luke 7:12-15), Mary and Martha (Luke 10:39-42; John 11:1-45; 12:1-8), the woman in the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), the widow in the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:3-5), and the widow who offered her last two coins (Luke 21:1-4), played a role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ that far exceeded their significance in contemporary Jewish society.”

            There are a great many verses in this last paragraph, and I have chosen not to copy and paste them because of the length it will make this SD. 

            It looks like tomorrow morning that I will be able to finish this 19^th chapter in MacArthur’s commentary and then in the evening begin with part of the introduction to the 20^th chapter.  It looks like it will take a number of SD’s in order to finish that introduction.

9/6/2026 9:32 PM

 

 

“The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Humanly” (Luke 8:1d)

 

MORNING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/6/2026 8:02 AM

My Worship Time                        Focus:  “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Humanly”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                       Reference:  Luke 8:1d

            Message of the verse:  “The Twelve were with Him,”

            This will be the last SD on the first verse of Luke chapter eight, and then this evening, Lord willing I will begin to look at Luke 8:2-3a.

            Once again I will be quoting from MacArthur’s commentary because there are many verses to look up and put onto this morning’s SD.

            “As noted earlier in this chapter concentration of effort is the key to multiplication of ministry.  Jesus ministered constantly to the huge crowds that followed Him everywhere.  Yet the Lord focused most of His attention on the Twelve who (apart from the betrayer Judas) would continue His ministry after His ascension.  As noted in their biographies given in chapters 2 through 8 of this volume they were remarkably ordinary men.  None of the Twelve were among the elite or influential of Jewish society; their ranks included no scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests, rabbis, or synagogue rulers. They did not come from wealthy or influential families , and had no friends in high places.  The Twelve frequently disappointed Him with their weak faith (e. g., Matt. 8:26; 14:31) and lack of insight (Matt. 15:15-16; 16:8-11; Mark 4:10-13; 9:32; John 12:16; 20:9).”

(e. g., Matt. 8:26; 14:31)

“26  And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

“31  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

(Matt. 15:15-16; 16:8-11; Mark 4:10-13; 9:32; John 12:16; 20:9)

“15  But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16  And he said, "Are you also still without understanding?”

“8  But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9  Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10  Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11  How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’’

“10  And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11  And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, 12  so that “they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.” 13  And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?”

“32  But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

“16  His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.”

“9  for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.”

“But He poured His life into them, and turned them into men who would turn the world upside down.

            “The apostle Paul also understood the importance of pouring his life into a limited group of people.  Writing shortly before his execution to Timothy, one of those who would carry on his ministry after His death, Paul charged him, ‘The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust those to faithful men who will be able to teach others also’ (2 Tim. 2:2).  These four generations evident here—Paul, Timothy, the faithful men, and the others—mark the ongoing process of multiplication that has continued down through the centuries to this day.

            “At this stage of their training, the Twelve had not yet been empowered and sent out to preach, teach, heal and cast out demons.  They were observing, listening, and learning.  Only later would Jesus send them out on a preaching tour by themselves (9:1-6).”

(9:1-6)

“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.”

Spiritual Meaning for my Life Today:  I have to say that it was a very long time ago that the Lord lead me to begin writing Spiritual Diaries, and then around 15 years ago that I began to put them onto my blogs.  The reception began slowly as there were not too many different people from countries around the world who looked at them, and then a few years ago man SD’s were viewed in Singapore.  Then a couple of years ago it seemed that both blogs took off as many different countries were looking at them.  I have mentioned that the day after my wife’s funeral that over 80,000 views were looked at, and this was very meaningful to me as I was certainly down, emotionally at that time, and my spirit was revived after that.  I love doing these Spiritual Diaries and pray over them each day that the Lord would use them to bring honor and glory to His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.

My Steps of Faith for Today:  I am trusting that the Lord will continue to use these Spiritual Diaries that I am writing to bring glory to my wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.

9/6/2026 8:36 AM

 

 

 

 

PT-2 “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Theologically” (Luke 8:1c)

 

EVENING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/5/2026 8:15 PM

My Worship Time         Focus: PT-2 “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Theologically”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                       Reference:  Luke 8:1c

            Message of the verse:  “proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God”

            I will usually just quote from MacArthur’s commentary when he has a lot of verses he references, and even though he does not quote many of those references, I will go ahead and quote them as I think that will help my readers better understand what is being taught.

            “Those who enter the kingdom of God through repentance and faith will manifest love for God.  Jesus declared that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:28-30).

(Mark 12:28-30)

“28 ¶  And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29  Jesus answered, "The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’’

“They are also marked by a complete and final commitment to obeying God.  When one would-be follower said to Him ‘I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home’ (Luke 9:61) Jesus replied, ‘No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’ (v-62).  The Lord illustrated that total commitment in the parables  He told in Matthey 13:44-46:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

“Reflecting the absolute commitment that marks those in the kingdom of God Paul wrote,

“Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More than that, I could all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. (Phil. 3:7-8)

“The Lord also taught that those in the kingdom must live in obedience to the King; the Sermon on the Mount in particular describes in detail the characteristics of those who have entered the kingdom of God.  Even after our Lord’s resurrection this was the theme of His teaching  for the forty days before His return to heaven, expanding His apostles’ knowledge of the features of the kingdom (Acts 1:3).

(Acts 1:3)

“3  He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

9/5/2026 8:36 PM

 

 

PT-1 “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Theologically” (Luke 8:1c)

 

MORNING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/5/2026 11:19 AM

My Worship Time         Focus: PT-1 “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Theologically”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                       Reference:  Luke 8:1c

            Message of the verse:  “proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God”

            The truth is that Jesus did not cover a broad spectrum of subjects in His preaching.  He did not emphasize social or political issues, engage in speculative philosophical discussions, or offer self-help lessons based on success and prosperity.  The sole focus of the Lord’s ministry was limited to proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God (cf.4:43; 9:11; 16:16; Matt. 4:17 Acts 1:3).

(cf. 4:43; 9:11; 16:16; Matt. 4:17 Acts 1:3).

“43  but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

“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.”

“16  "The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”

17  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

“3  He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

The terms proclaiming and preaching define its content.  MacArthur writes “Kerusso (proclaiming) means to publicly and authoritatively herald an official message that must be listened to and obeyed. Euangelizo (preaching), the source of the English words ‘evangelize’ and ‘evangelism,’ refers to announcing the good news of the gospel.

            “Despite the claims of some, the terms kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven are synonymous.  The latter term appears only in Matthew’s gospel, which was addressed to the Jewish people, in deference to their prohibition against speaking the name of God.  In Matthew 19:23-24, Jesus used the two terms interchangeably.  Both refer to the sphere of salvation, where God reigns over the redeemed (Matt. 19:26; cf. 21:31; Mark 1:15; John 3:3-5; Acts 8:12).”

(Matt. 19:26; cf. 21:31; Mark 1:15; John 3:3-5; Acts 8:12)

“26  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

“31  Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.”

“15  and saying,, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

“3  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the of God.” 4  Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5  Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

“12  But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

            “To preach the kingdom of God is to proclaim the good news that sinners can be delivered from Satan’s kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col. 1:13).”

(Col. 1:13)

“13  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,”

“Sinners respond t the call to enter the kingdom first of all by repentance.  Both John the Baptist (Matt. 3:2-8) and Jesus (Matt. 4:17; Luke 5:32; 13:3, 5) called for sinners to repent and condemned those who refused to repent (Matt. 11:20-21; 12:41).”

(Matt. 3:2-8)

“2  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” 4  Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5  Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6  and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 ¶  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8  Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”

(Matt. 4:17; Luke 5:32; 13:3, 5)

“17  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

“32  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

“3  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

“5  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

(Matt. 11:20-21; 12:41)

“20  Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21  "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!

For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

“41  The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.”

“Jesus also instructed His disciples to preach that same message (Mark 6:12; Luke 24:47).”

(Mark 6:12; Luke 24:47)

“12  So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.”

“47  and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

“Entrance to God’s kingdom also requires faith.  Jesus not only called for repentance, but also taught that sinners need to believe the gospel in order to be saved (Mark 1:15; cf. Luke 7:50; John 6:29; 8:24; 12:36).

(Mark 1:15; cf. Luke 7:50; John 6:29; 8:24; 12:36)

“15  and saying,, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

“50  And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

“29  Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

“24  I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.’”

“36  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.”

Spiritual Meaning for my Life today:  I am trying very hard to trust the Lord to get me through this very difficult time in my life as my wife passed away on July 29^th of this year at 9:36 AM, and life has certainly not been the same for me or for my family since then.

My Steps of Faith for Today:  Knowing that the Lord is in control of what is going on in my life and knowing the truth of the song “He Giveth More Grace” has brought me peace, but life is still difficult for me.

9/5/2026 11:58 AM

 

 

 

 

 

“The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Geographically” (Luke 8:1b)

 

EVENING SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 9/4/2026 8:10 PM

My Worship Time              Focus:  “The Scope of Jesus’ Ministry Was Limited Geographically”

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                                       Reference:  Luke 8:1b

            Message of the verse:  “from one city and village to another”

            John MacArthur writes “That Jesus would restrict the scope of His ministry by spending so much of it traveling from one city and village to another in Galilee is inexplicable from the perspective of modern philosophy of ministry.  Jerusalem, the cultural and intellectual center of Israel, should have been His target.  Galilee, on the other hand, was a largely rural area, whose plebian residents were scorned by the sophisticated Judeans.  When some said to Jesus, ‘This is the Christ’ others scoffed at them, saying ‘Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He?’  (John 7:41).  When Nicodemus protested the Pharisees’ judging of Christ without investigating Him they mocked him.  ‘You are not also from Galilee, are you?’  They said scornfully. ‘Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee’ (v. 53).  Later the Sanhedrin was astonished that simple Galileans like Peter and John could speak so confidently, boldly, and intelligently (Acts 4:13).

            “Everywhere Jesus went became His pulpit, the hillsides, valleys, and public squares of Galilee were filled with huge crowds that flocked to hear Him (cf. vv. 4, 19, 40, 45). 

(cf. vv. 4, 19, 40, 45)

“4 ¶  And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable,”

“19  Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd.”

“40 ¶  Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.”

“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!”

“Some argue that the rising animosity of the Jewish religious leaders had caused Jesus to be banned from preaching in the synagogues.  As evidence, they point to the lack of any reference to synagogues in this summary statement.  But a summary need not go into exhaustive detail, so the argument from silence is unconvincing.  Further, Matthew 9:35, 13:54, and John 6:59 record Jesus preaching in the synagogues after the events of this passage, while Luke 13:10 records His preaching in a Judean synagogue, which also came later chronologically.  After His arrest, Jesus told the high priest Annas, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret’ (John 18:20), implying that He continued preaching in the synagogues throughout His ministry.

            “Despite the limited geographic extent of His ministry, Jesus has influenced the entire world through the Spirit-inspired record of His life and ministry recorded in the Gospels and the power of His church.”  9/4/2026 8:37 PM