Luke 8-2, Break Through the Obstacles to Bear Good Fruit.
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2026-06-14 15:54
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Break Through the Obstacles to Bear Good Fruit.
Luke 8:16-25
First, don’t hide the light
Look at verse 16. “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” Would you hide a flash in your pocket and say, “I can’t see?” Sin, death, judgment, failure, sorrow, sickness and temptation, would you say I don’t know how to deal with these issues as you hide the light of Jesus in your bag?
The light of lamp is Jesus. Jesus has conquered death, solved the problem of man’s sin and brought the Kingdom of God to this earth. John says, “Jesus is the true light.” In him there is solution for sin, death and eternal judgment of hell. In him there is peace and good fruit. Then, would you hide his light in your bag or mobile phone?
However, there are people who hide the light. They do not reveal themselves as Bible-believing Christians.
One teacher known as a Christian warned a student, “Don’t say the word ‘God’ or anything about Christianity in your valedictory speech.” These nominal Christians are having a hard time to live a double life. On Sunday, they come to church. On weekdays, they drink with worldly people.
Look at verse 17. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” This verse tells us the final destiny of those who hid the lamp in a jar. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor 5:10)
Jesus is the light. Light dispels darkness. The world is dark in war, natural disasters, sickness, selfishness, sorrow, fear, uncertainty and immorality. How would you deal with this darkness? The answer is in revealing light of Jesus. Therefore, meet Jesus, the true light. Live as Jesus-believers. Don’t hide your faith in Jesus. Reveal your identity as Christians actively. Pray before your meals. Bring your bible to church and Bible study. Do not say you have the Bible on your mobile phone. Using a mobile phone is easy, fast, and convenient, but inspiration and spirituality do not come from the mobile phone. Therefore, don’t say, “Everything is in this mobile phone, why should I carry a Bible? Mobile phones are highly volatile, so everything there evaporates. Buy a Bible. Carry it with you. Proclaim and teach the Bible. If you hide the light, Jesus, even what you have will be taken away.
A lamp is to shine light. You are like a lamp. You are to shine the light of Jesus to this dark world. Study and work hard not for survival or better life but to reveal the light of Jesus to your family, campus and work place.
Second, do not be bound by your Family
Look at verse 19. “Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him,” Why did they come to Jesus? Mark 3:21 says, “His family went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Jesus had been working for his family. But when he became 30, he stopped working but went around with 12 young men preaching the word of God. To his family, Jesus looked lunatic, “He must be crazy.” So they came to capture him and take him back to their home.
Family is good, isn't it? However, there are instances when your spiritual life is hindered by the name of family. If you devote your plans, time and money to do the work of God, your family may not like you.
“Why are you not coming to worship service?” “I have a family meeting. My mother calls me at that time.” It seems like a valid reason. However, that is another obstacle to bear good fruit.
While on earth, Jesus loved his family. All his family members were moved from darkness to light and became the servants of God. For Jesus, spiritual relationships were more important than physical ones.
Love your family. However, do not be bound by your family when you follow Jesus for the Kingdom of God. Do not make excuses that you cannot come to worship God and do the work of God because of your family. Build a new value and scope about family.
Look at verse 20-21. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” This is very revolutionary. Yes, we have a biological family. And we have a new family when we belong to Jesus and his eternal kingdom. They are those who hear God’s word and put into practice.
In Jesus we call one another brothers and sisters because we call God ‘heavenly Father.’ We are a family by the blood of Jesus Christ, spiritual family, church. When my wife is sick, I feel pain too. My two sons and their families are away and I miss them and happy whenever they call me and come to me. A family shares both pain and joy. Jesus teaches us a new horizon about family.
To us, Uche in Ireland and Misha in USA are our family. Now our families in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and North Korea are suffering. Suppose one of your biological family is there, how would you feel and what would you do? We need to pray for them and do something we can do.
Third, have faith in Jesus
Look at verse 22. One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” Here is a very unique expression, ‘go over (through).’ “Go through is ‘dia Elkomai’, meaning ‘break through obstacles.’ Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s break through obstacles during our journey to the kingdom of God.” Jesus predicted and warned his disciples in advance that there would be tremendous obstacles and that they should break through the obstacles until they arrive to the kingdom of God.
Verse 22, 23a says “So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep.” In the Four Gospels, this is the only record about Jesus’ napping. Why did he sleep? Most likely, the Twelve were talking about their bright future leaving Jesus alone and lonely. Jesus could not have fellowship with them. So, Jesus walked to the back of the boat and fell asleep.
That is the trouble. They had biblical knowledge in their boat. They were wonderful Christians. But they did put Jesus into sleep because of their human ambition and lack of fellowship with him.
I see this kind of trouble in campus and all over the world now. Now, in one side, people are dying and suffering in war, drug addiction, sickness and poverty. In another side, people are talking about sports, success, car, house and trip.
Here is Jesus who has restored the kingdom of God on earth through his blood on the cross. And he is inviting mankind,
But people do not pay attention to the word of Jesus. I ask, “Are you Christian?” Then they say, “Yes, I am.” I ask again, “Do you go to church?” They say, “No. I go to church once or twice a year, Easter or Christmas.” “Do you do Bible study and join prayer meeting?” “No, I am busy and tired, no time for Bible study and prayer meeting.”
What is the trouble? Even some Christians are putting Jesus into sleep by their mundane life or busy life.
Look at verse 23. “A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.” A squall is wild storm. It was sudden and unexpected. Their boat was on the brink of being capsized. They were paralyzed by fear.
Jesus had warned them to be ready to face the sudden and unexpected storm and break it through. But they had not paid attention to the word of Jesus. Then they fell into a panic.
Life is a voyage on the sea. There are small and big storm. Yes, in our life, there are obstacles, major life changes and emotional turmoil. Is your life in 20ties smooth? How about in your 4oties?
In the 110 hurdles race, there are 10 hurdles. While running, the runners can hit the hurdles and drop them. Still they are not disqualified. An Olympic gold medalist hit and dropped 8 hurdles. That is not a violation of the rules. However, if you run sideways to avoid the hurdles, you are disqualified.
Life is like 110 meter hurdles race. Remember there are 10 hurdles. Don’t avoid the hurdles. Though you hit the hurdles and drop them, you just need to rise and run again. You are to go through the obstacles. Do not pray for an easy life. When you meet obstacles or hindrances, just go through. Joseph went through such dreadful hurdle of a woman’s seduction. Moses went through 40 years’ wilderness life. Elijah went through evil’s kingdom threat and people’s indifference. Don’t give up. Don’t sit and lie on the mat of despair or laziness. Dia Elcomai!
While panic, suddenly they remembered Jesus who was sleeping. They went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
Though the disciples had put Jesus into sleep, when they met a crisis, they knew where to go to find a solution. While non-believers do their best to overcome the storms by their own strength or human-tie or luck, we have Jesus, the Son of God in our boat of life.
What is your problem this morning? Are you saying, “Oh, my problem is too big that no one can help me, even Jesus?” But I know Jesus can help you and me. Here is His promise, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” (Isaiah 43:2)
Brothers, when you meet the storm in your life, come and wake up Jesus. He is ready to reach out his hand to you. So, come to Jesus crying out, “Jesus, help me!” Then he will rise up and help you to overcome the storms.
Look at verse 24b. “He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.” Why does Jesus rebuke the storm? Because there is a devil working behind the storm. Through the storm, the devil is instilling fear in the disciples. There are natural storms, and there are storms where the devil is at work behind them. Jesus rebukes the devil.
If you want to win over the storm, you have to see what is behind the storm. You need to look beyond the immediate chaos or difficulties. You should rebuke the devil behind the storm. That is why Jesus rebuked the wind. You must not see only the surface and the circumstances.
Not all storms, chaos and difficulties are the work of Satan. But there are obstacles that are the work of Satan. How do you know whether the storm is work of Satan or not? If the storm hinders you from coming to God and serving his will; worship, prayer and doing gospel work, that is the work of devil. Often the devil plants fear and doubt in our hearts through circumstances. The devil tries to discourage you and make you become fearful, doubtful and selfish. Then you are to rebuke it and go through, dia Elkomai.
Look at verse 25. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. It means, “Why don’t’ you use your faith?” Today many people are whining, “I am helpless and powerless because I am tied by busy schedules and tiredness. Someone says, “I have little.” Another says, “I am sick.” Another says, “the job market is tight.” Another says, “Few show spiritual desire to come to church.” So what? ‘Dia Alcomai by faith in Jesus!’ At that moment, the Lord asks, "Where is your faith?"
Today, brothers, “Where is your faith?” Jesus knew that the real problem was not in the storm from the outside but the storm in their hearts. The real issue is man’s heart. There are people whose hearts are strange. At normal times, there is no problem. But, whenever they face some events that involve their security, their hearts become shaken and hard.
They become calculative and selfish. In some cases, they are worse than non-believers.
Remember. There are ten obstacles in 110 hurdles race. Do not pray for a life without obstacles or suffering but pray to increase your faith in Jesus. Jesus says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Faith is to accept Jesus as the Lord in your life. Faith is to accept what Jesus has done to you. If you have faith in Jesus, you will win. Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me.”
Where is your faith? When we put our faith in Jesus and the word of God, then whether we see or not, feel of not, touch or not, healthy or not, young or not, we do not depend on human logic or circumstances any more but we challenge obstacles or hindrances. We rise up, persist, insist and rebuke Satan. Then we will have victory.
Look at verse 25b. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” In the beginning stage of following Jesus, they were interested in Jesus’ miracle and what Jesus might give them. But through storm training, their interest and question were changed from what to who, “Who is Jesus?”
Without truthful conviction and confession abut who Jesus is, no one can become a true Christian. No one can go through the other side overcoming the wild storm. Through storm training, they acknowledged that Jesus is the Creator, God. He calms down the furious storm. He is able to control nature. He rules over the history and every human being. He is also able to calm down the storm of your life. He is God. This is the most important finding. Have faith in Him and rebuke Satan and keep going the journey of faith in all circumstances.
Luke 8:16-25
First, don’t hide the light
Look at verse 16. “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” Would you hide a flash in your pocket and say, “I can’t see?” Sin, death, judgment, failure, sorrow, sickness and temptation, would you say I don’t know how to deal with these issues as you hide the light of Jesus in your bag?
The light of lamp is Jesus. Jesus has conquered death, solved the problem of man’s sin and brought the Kingdom of God to this earth. John says, “Jesus is the true light.” In him there is solution for sin, death and eternal judgment of hell. In him there is peace and good fruit. Then, would you hide his light in your bag or mobile phone?
However, there are people who hide the light. They do not reveal themselves as Bible-believing Christians.
One teacher known as a Christian warned a student, “Don’t say the word ‘God’ or anything about Christianity in your valedictory speech.” These nominal Christians are having a hard time to live a double life. On Sunday, they come to church. On weekdays, they drink with worldly people.
Look at verse 17. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” This verse tells us the final destiny of those who hid the lamp in a jar. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor 5:10)
Jesus is the light. Light dispels darkness. The world is dark in war, natural disasters, sickness, selfishness, sorrow, fear, uncertainty and immorality. How would you deal with this darkness? The answer is in revealing light of Jesus. Therefore, meet Jesus, the true light. Live as Jesus-believers. Don’t hide your faith in Jesus. Reveal your identity as Christians actively. Pray before your meals. Bring your bible to church and Bible study. Do not say you have the Bible on your mobile phone. Using a mobile phone is easy, fast, and convenient, but inspiration and spirituality do not come from the mobile phone. Therefore, don’t say, “Everything is in this mobile phone, why should I carry a Bible? Mobile phones are highly volatile, so everything there evaporates. Buy a Bible. Carry it with you. Proclaim and teach the Bible. If you hide the light, Jesus, even what you have will be taken away.
A lamp is to shine light. You are like a lamp. You are to shine the light of Jesus to this dark world. Study and work hard not for survival or better life but to reveal the light of Jesus to your family, campus and work place.
Second, do not be bound by your Family
Look at verse 19. “Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him,” Why did they come to Jesus? Mark 3:21 says, “His family went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Jesus had been working for his family. But when he became 30, he stopped working but went around with 12 young men preaching the word of God. To his family, Jesus looked lunatic, “He must be crazy.” So they came to capture him and take him back to their home.
Family is good, isn't it? However, there are instances when your spiritual life is hindered by the name of family. If you devote your plans, time and money to do the work of God, your family may not like you.
“Why are you not coming to worship service?” “I have a family meeting. My mother calls me at that time.” It seems like a valid reason. However, that is another obstacle to bear good fruit.
While on earth, Jesus loved his family. All his family members were moved from darkness to light and became the servants of God. For Jesus, spiritual relationships were more important than physical ones.
Love your family. However, do not be bound by your family when you follow Jesus for the Kingdom of God. Do not make excuses that you cannot come to worship God and do the work of God because of your family. Build a new value and scope about family.
Look at verse 20-21. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” This is very revolutionary. Yes, we have a biological family. And we have a new family when we belong to Jesus and his eternal kingdom. They are those who hear God’s word and put into practice.
In Jesus we call one another brothers and sisters because we call God ‘heavenly Father.’ We are a family by the blood of Jesus Christ, spiritual family, church. When my wife is sick, I feel pain too. My two sons and their families are away and I miss them and happy whenever they call me and come to me. A family shares both pain and joy. Jesus teaches us a new horizon about family.
To us, Uche in Ireland and Misha in USA are our family. Now our families in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and North Korea are suffering. Suppose one of your biological family is there, how would you feel and what would you do? We need to pray for them and do something we can do.
Third, have faith in Jesus
Look at verse 22. One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” Here is a very unique expression, ‘go over (through).’ “Go through is ‘dia Elkomai’, meaning ‘break through obstacles.’ Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s break through obstacles during our journey to the kingdom of God.” Jesus predicted and warned his disciples in advance that there would be tremendous obstacles and that they should break through the obstacles until they arrive to the kingdom of God.
Verse 22, 23a says “So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep.” In the Four Gospels, this is the only record about Jesus’ napping. Why did he sleep? Most likely, the Twelve were talking about their bright future leaving Jesus alone and lonely. Jesus could not have fellowship with them. So, Jesus walked to the back of the boat and fell asleep.
That is the trouble. They had biblical knowledge in their boat. They were wonderful Christians. But they did put Jesus into sleep because of their human ambition and lack of fellowship with him.
I see this kind of trouble in campus and all over the world now. Now, in one side, people are dying and suffering in war, drug addiction, sickness and poverty. In another side, people are talking about sports, success, car, house and trip.
Here is Jesus who has restored the kingdom of God on earth through his blood on the cross. And he is inviting mankind,
But people do not pay attention to the word of Jesus. I ask, “Are you Christian?” Then they say, “Yes, I am.” I ask again, “Do you go to church?” They say, “No. I go to church once or twice a year, Easter or Christmas.” “Do you do Bible study and join prayer meeting?” “No, I am busy and tired, no time for Bible study and prayer meeting.”
What is the trouble? Even some Christians are putting Jesus into sleep by their mundane life or busy life.
Look at verse 23. “A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.” A squall is wild storm. It was sudden and unexpected. Their boat was on the brink of being capsized. They were paralyzed by fear.
Jesus had warned them to be ready to face the sudden and unexpected storm and break it through. But they had not paid attention to the word of Jesus. Then they fell into a panic.
Life is a voyage on the sea. There are small and big storm. Yes, in our life, there are obstacles, major life changes and emotional turmoil. Is your life in 20ties smooth? How about in your 4oties?
In the 110 hurdles race, there are 10 hurdles. While running, the runners can hit the hurdles and drop them. Still they are not disqualified. An Olympic gold medalist hit and dropped 8 hurdles. That is not a violation of the rules. However, if you run sideways to avoid the hurdles, you are disqualified.
Life is like 110 meter hurdles race. Remember there are 10 hurdles. Don’t avoid the hurdles. Though you hit the hurdles and drop them, you just need to rise and run again. You are to go through the obstacles. Do not pray for an easy life. When you meet obstacles or hindrances, just go through. Joseph went through such dreadful hurdle of a woman’s seduction. Moses went through 40 years’ wilderness life. Elijah went through evil’s kingdom threat and people’s indifference. Don’t give up. Don’t sit and lie on the mat of despair or laziness. Dia Elcomai!
While panic, suddenly they remembered Jesus who was sleeping. They went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
Though the disciples had put Jesus into sleep, when they met a crisis, they knew where to go to find a solution. While non-believers do their best to overcome the storms by their own strength or human-tie or luck, we have Jesus, the Son of God in our boat of life.
What is your problem this morning? Are you saying, “Oh, my problem is too big that no one can help me, even Jesus?” But I know Jesus can help you and me. Here is His promise, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” (Isaiah 43:2)
Brothers, when you meet the storm in your life, come and wake up Jesus. He is ready to reach out his hand to you. So, come to Jesus crying out, “Jesus, help me!” Then he will rise up and help you to overcome the storms.
Look at verse 24b. “He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.” Why does Jesus rebuke the storm? Because there is a devil working behind the storm. Through the storm, the devil is instilling fear in the disciples. There are natural storms, and there are storms where the devil is at work behind them. Jesus rebukes the devil.
If you want to win over the storm, you have to see what is behind the storm. You need to look beyond the immediate chaos or difficulties. You should rebuke the devil behind the storm. That is why Jesus rebuked the wind. You must not see only the surface and the circumstances.
Not all storms, chaos and difficulties are the work of Satan. But there are obstacles that are the work of Satan. How do you know whether the storm is work of Satan or not? If the storm hinders you from coming to God and serving his will; worship, prayer and doing gospel work, that is the work of devil. Often the devil plants fear and doubt in our hearts through circumstances. The devil tries to discourage you and make you become fearful, doubtful and selfish. Then you are to rebuke it and go through, dia Elkomai.
Look at verse 25. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. It means, “Why don’t’ you use your faith?” Today many people are whining, “I am helpless and powerless because I am tied by busy schedules and tiredness. Someone says, “I have little.” Another says, “I am sick.” Another says, “the job market is tight.” Another says, “Few show spiritual desire to come to church.” So what? ‘Dia Alcomai by faith in Jesus!’ At that moment, the Lord asks, "Where is your faith?"
Today, brothers, “Where is your faith?” Jesus knew that the real problem was not in the storm from the outside but the storm in their hearts. The real issue is man’s heart. There are people whose hearts are strange. At normal times, there is no problem. But, whenever they face some events that involve their security, their hearts become shaken and hard.
They become calculative and selfish. In some cases, they are worse than non-believers.
Remember. There are ten obstacles in 110 hurdles race. Do not pray for a life without obstacles or suffering but pray to increase your faith in Jesus. Jesus says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Faith is to accept Jesus as the Lord in your life. Faith is to accept what Jesus has done to you. If you have faith in Jesus, you will win. Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me.”
Where is your faith? When we put our faith in Jesus and the word of God, then whether we see or not, feel of not, touch or not, healthy or not, young or not, we do not depend on human logic or circumstances any more but we challenge obstacles or hindrances. We rise up, persist, insist and rebuke Satan. Then we will have victory.
Look at verse 25b. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” In the beginning stage of following Jesus, they were interested in Jesus’ miracle and what Jesus might give them. But through storm training, their interest and question were changed from what to who, “Who is Jesus?”
Without truthful conviction and confession abut who Jesus is, no one can become a true Christian. No one can go through the other side overcoming the wild storm. Through storm training, they acknowledged that Jesus is the Creator, God. He calms down the furious storm. He is able to control nature. He rules over the history and every human being. He is also able to calm down the storm of your life. He is God. This is the most important finding. Have faith in Him and rebuke Satan and keep going the journey of faith in all circumstances.