We may be tempted to read the accounts of Jesus ministry as isolated snippets that are unrelated to each other but this is not always the case. For example in Luke 15 we have three accounts taught by Jesus that seem to be three different stories but they are meant to be studied together. The lost sheep, lost coin and prodigal son have parallels that are meant to drive to one point. God values us and rejoices over our return to HIM.
Other places in scripture are not so readily evident as that one in Luke 15 so it is good to look for the connecting words to help follow the flow of Jesus steps and teaching. Luke helps us with this as he connects everything from chapter 6 to 8 with words like “soon afterward.” Just when you think the topic is changing or we are skipping to a new account, Luke is sure to tell us that the next thing happened right away and when we study it this way we see that the thread of truth that Jesus is trying to teach his disciples is repeated several different ways so they learn a few basic truths thru repetition and various learning styles.
As we look at Luke 8 today we do so in the context of Jesus travels and teaching from the sermon on the mount (chapter 6) to the healing of Jairus daughter (Chapter 8) and everything in between. The disciples travel with Him, listen and are trying to assemble all the pieces and Jesus disciples them through all of these events and more.
Because three chapters is too much content to cover in one sermon time I encourage you to read these chapters in one sitting and follow the progression of Jesus discipleship to His disciples.
Today we hope to focus in on the first part of Chapter 8 while drawing in the surrounding events. Please come to the scripture with fresh eyes seeking what God would have for you. The key verse that embodies the core message comes from 8:15.

Luke 8:15 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.