Luke 8:21 - Hear and Obey

Luke 8:21 (ESV)

But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus’ mother and brothers were asking for him. He responded that those who heard the word of God and did it were his mother and brothers. Then follows the story of a storm on the sea of Galilee. Jesus was asleep in the boat while his disciples were panicking. When Jesus was awakened, he calmed the storm by simply speaking to it. The conclusion of the story is that Jesus commands even the winds and the water “and they obey him” (Lk 8:25).

Two things are significant here. First, the concept of obedience is reinforced. Those who hear ought to obey. Even the inanimate winds and waves obey him. How much more should we, who claim to be his disciples, hear and obey?

Second, Jesus just said that we are to hear the word of God and obey, then the winds and water obey Jesus. This reinforces the truth that Jesus is God. He was not just a prophet, although he spoke prophetically. He was not just a Rabbi, although he taught his disciples. He was not just a healer, although he healed many people. He is one whose words should be listened to and obeyed. He is God.

How many Bible studies do we attend where we curiously explore the text and then go home unchanged? How many times do we struggle to open our Bibles every day to hear and obey? How many sermons do we listen to unmoved to action? Today, may we hear and obey.