Luke 5

39 verses

TL;DR

Jesus calls fishermen to follow, performs a great catch, heals a leper and a paralytic, and invites a tax collector to discipleship.

Summary

Luke 5 opens with Jesus teaching by the Lake of Gennesaret and calling Simon Peter to follow him. He then performs a miracle, causing a great catch of fish that leads Peter to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. The chapter shifts to heal a man with leprosy and a paralytic, demonstrating Jesus' power to forgive sins. Jesus calls Levi, a tax‑collector, to become a disciple and hosts a feast that provokes criticism from Pharisees. He responds with parables about new wine in new jars and a new garment, illustrating the need for new ways in the age of the Messiah.

Outline

1. The calling of the fishermen and the miracle of the catch
2. Healing of a leper and a paralytic, and Jesus’ authority to forgive sins
3. The invitation to Levi and the parable of new wine and garment

Themes

Disciple calling and transformationHealing and forgiveness of sinsBreaking with old forms to embrace the new mission

Keywords

fishleprosyfaithmiraclediscipleshipsinnersnew winenew garmenthealing

People

JesusSimon PeterJamesJohnLevi (Matthew)PhariseesScribesman with leprosyman with palsy

Places

Lake of GennesaretGalileeJudeaJerusalemwilderness

Things

fishing netsfishleprosypalsynew garmentnew wine

Key Verses

Luke 5:4: Jesus instructs fishermen to launch their nets
Luke 5:9: Jesus promises Peter a new role as a fisher of men
Luke 5:20: Jesus demonstrates the power to forgive sins

Questions

What does Peter’s response reveal about the nature of faith and obedience?
How does Jesus’ healing of the leper differ from other miracles in the Gospel?
Why does Jesus refer to himself as the Bridegroom and what does that imply?
What is the significance of the new wine/new garment parables for his mission?
How does the chapter challenge the social and religious norms of the time?

Sentiment

mixed
Miracles are positive, but conflict with Pharisees introduces tension