Study 11. Luke 5:1-32

10. Simon knew that Jesus was no fisherman, but he had enough respect for the teacher not to scoff when Jesus suggested fishing at an absurd time (see 5:4-5). How did Jesus prove to Simon that He had authority over more than religious things? (see 5:6-10)

 What might Simon have felt? There was respect "Master" and a willingness to obey ("at your word I will"). There was some doubt ("we toiled all night and took nothing")

 

Jesus through the miracle of the catch showed His right to call others to follow. "The catch is the reward of obedience, not of competence".

 

This is likely not the first time Jesus has met Simon Peter (Jn 1:42) and may be the same event described in Mark 1:16-20.

 

Only Luke calls Gennesaret a 'lake'. The rest of the gospel writers call it the 'sea'.

To be a 'fisher of men' is to bring people into the kingdom of God and into relationship with Jesus.

 

For thought and discussion:

a. Why do you think authority over fish affected Simon so much more profoundly?

Jesus proved greater in his area of competence. He knew the extent of the miracle Jesus performed.  Why did he have this reaction? He felt that he was in presence of the Holy (cf. Gen. 18:27; Job 42:6; Is. 6:5, Ez 1:28). The miracle aroused fear, not merely wonder (cf. 8:25, when the storm was stilled)

 

b. What kind of authority would get your attention that strongly?

 Personal relevance, in my area of competence

 

 

11.What did Jesus' willingness to actually touch the leper show about Jesus' character?

He went beyond the necessary (He could have healed with a word) to show His love. He affirmed his willingness to heal.

 

The leper's approach is noteworthy: he had no question that Jesus could, but did not assume that Jesus would. This approach warns those who 'claim' or expect healing.

The leper, like Peter, falls at Jesus' feet (v.8, 12). Jesus is not contaminated by the leper- instead, His touch cleanses him. 

By showing himself to the priest (cf. Lev 14:2-32) the leper is brought back into full participation into the community.

 

The healed man failed to obey Jesus' injunction (Mk 1:44-45). The consequence was the hindrance of Jesus' teaching ministry. Jesus's response was to withdraw to desolate places to pray - the demands of ministry necessitated regular deliberate times with His Father.

 

12. According to 5:20, why did Jesus declare the paralytic's sins forgiven?

He saw 'their' faith - likely the faith of the friends and the paralytic.

“Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Blasphemy is to speak or act sacrilegiously against God or sacred things Who can forgive sins but God alone?” - all sins are committed against God.

 

13. Jesus had a second reason for forgiving and healing the paralytic. What did His deeds prove, and how did they prove it? (see 5:21-26)

It was to show that He had authority on earth to forgive sins. (v. 24)

"Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?" can mean:

• it is easier to proclaim one's sins are forgiven because this effect is invisible, unlike physical healing.
• It is truly harder to forgive sins than to heal physically. Jesus does the lesser in order to confirm his ability to perform the former.
  

v.23 "Son of Man" is Jesus' favourite title for Himself. He claims authority based on this title (Da 7:13-14)

 

 14. Levi's decision to abanton his toll booth meant permanently leaving his job. What does Levi's choice show about discipleship? (see 5:27-28)?

Tax collectors had come to John (3:12)

Discipleship involves decisively leaving behind our old life. “Abandon the familiar and undertake the unknown”.

 

15. What do Jesus' words to the Pharisees reveal about His mission (see 5:31-32)?

 He comes to call sinners to repentance. Those who do not think they need repentance to not need Him.

 

16. Think about what Jesus does in 5:1-32 and how each person responds. How would you summarize what this passage contributes to the message of the gospel? (see 5:10, 20, 24, 29, 31-32)

Peter sees Jesus' holiness and bows in fear. The gospel is the power and presence of God. We tell others about the gospel.

The leper sees Jesus' compassion and is healed. The gospel is the kindness of Jesus to cleanse us.it restores our self identity in God’s image.

The paralytic sees Jesus' power to forgive sins and is healed. The gospel is forgiveness of sin.

Levi hears Jesus' call and obeys. The gospel demands everything from us.

 

What must the Pharisees have believed (about God, sin, rightousness) that made them consider it wrong to eat with sinners (see 5:30)?

God wants us to avoid obvious sin and sinful people. Spending time in the presence of these contaminates us and also leads us to sin. This is the same power as with the leper: Jesus' presence cleanses sinners - He is not contaminated by them.