A Noble and Good Heart

Luke 8:1-15

Key Verse 8:15

1. Verse 1 indicates that the main point of Jesus' messages was the good news of the kingdom of God. What does "the good news of the kingdom of God" mean? 

2. Think about the women "co-workers" (in verses 2 and 3) who were helping Jesus and his Twelve by supporting them out of their own means. What did Jesus do for Mary (called Magdalene)? What does this passage show us about the purpose for which God created women? (Genesis 2:18,20) 

3. In verse 4 we see Jesus giving the parable of the sower to "a large crowd" coming to him from town after town. Combine this with the main point of the messages Jesus came to proclaim. What does this observation suggest about: 1) the crowd; and 2) Jesus' motive in giving them this parable?

4. Consider the parable in verses 4-8. Why do you think Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"? 

5. Verses 9 and 10 describe the disciples' request to Jesus and Jesus' response. Why would Jesus give "the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God" to the disciples, not to others?

6. Think about the kinds of people described in verses 11-14. What do the people who are like the path, the rock, and the thorns all have in common? How can each of them become a person who produces a good crop? 

7. Read verse 15. What does Jesus mean by "a noble and good heart"? What does the word "noble" and "good" indicate about the way to live a fruitful life?