Luke 8:16-21
Key Verse: 8:21

“He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’”

1. Read verses 16-17. Where does one ordinarily put a lighted lamp? Why does one not put it in a jar or under a bed? What was the main point of the parable in verses 1-15? What does the parable of the seed have in common with the parable of the lamp?

2. Read verse 17 again. What happens when the light shines in a room? In a life? In a heart? In the world? Why might some people not like the light? Why do others long for the light? What do you think the lighted lamp represents? Explain.

3. Read verse 18. What does it mean to “consider carefully”? What does this verse have to do with the lamp on the stand? With our attitude in Bible study?

4. Read verses 19-21. Why do you think Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him? Why could they not get near him? How did he respond to the one who told him about them? Why?

5. Read verse 21 again. What did Jesus teach about the importance of hearing and obeying the word of God? How is this related to verse 18? To the parable of the lamp on the stand? Who are Jesus’ true family?