Luke 5
BSB1 On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, 2 He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat. 4 When Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man." 9 For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men." 11 And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left everything and followed Him. 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 13 Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 “Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 15 But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray. 17 One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. People had come from Jerusalem and from every village of Galilee and Judea, and the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick. 18 Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus, 19 but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven." 21 But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22 Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’ 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home." 25 And immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today." 27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him. 29 Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31 Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." 33 Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking." 34 Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? 35 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." 36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will tear the new garment as well, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine wants new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’"
Study Notes — Luke 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 5
- Themes from Luke 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke chapter 5 begins with Jesus calling His first disciples, including Simon Peter, James, and John, while they are fishing on the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus then preaches and heals in the synagogue at Capernaum, demonstrating His authority over unclean spirits and diseases (Luke 5:12-16, Luke 5:17-26). The chapter also includes the call of Matthew, a tax collector, and Jesus' teaching on the new wine and old wineskins, emphasizing the need for a new approach to God's work (Luke 5:27-32, Luke 5:33-39). Throughout the chapter, Jesus' ministry is marked by His compassion, teaching, and authority, which are all rooted in His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity.
Context for the Chapter
Luke chapter 5 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Luke. The chapter follows Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness (Luke 3-4) and precedes His sermon on the mount (Luke 6). The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it fulfills Old Testament prophecies and types, such as the ministry of the Messiah (Isaiah 61:1-2, Psalm 107:20).
Heart Application
As we reflect on Jesus' ministry in Luke chapter 5, we are reminded of the importance of faith, forgiveness, and compassion in the Christian life. We are called to follow Jesus, to trust in His authority and power, and to extend His love and forgiveness to others. May we be inspired by Jesus' example to seek and save the lost, and to bring healing and hope to those around us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke chapter 5 is about Jesus' early ministry, where He calls His first disciples, preaches and heals, and demonstrates His authority over the Sabbath. Jesus' ministry is marked by His compassion, teaching, and authority, which are all rooted in His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith, forgiveness, and compassion in the Christian life (Luke 5:1-11, Luke 5:24).
Voices from the Church
“The calling of the first disciples is a remarkable event, as it marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry and the formation of the early Christian community. It is a reminder that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Jesus' authority to forgive sins is a fundamental aspect of His ministry and mission. It is a reminder that our sins are not just forgiven, but also forgotten, and that we are called to live a new life in Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Calling of the First Disciples (Luke 5:1-11) — Jesus calls Simon Peter, James, and John while they are fishing on the Lake of Gennesaret, demonstrating His authority over nature and the beginning of His ministry.
- Jesus Preaches and Heals in the Synagogue (Luke 5:12-16) — Jesus preaches and heals in the synagogue at Capernaum, demonstrating His authority over diseases and unclean spirits.
- The Paralyzed Man is Forgiven and Healed (Luke 5:17-26) — Jesus forgives the paralyzed man's sins and heals his body, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins and His compassion for the sick and suffering.
- The Call of Matthew (Luke 5:27-32) — Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost.
- Jesus Teaches on the New Wine and Old Wineskins (Luke 5:33-39) — Jesus teaches on the need for a new approach to God's work, emphasizing the importance of faith, forgiveness, and compassion in the Christian life.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus has authority over nature, diseases, and sins, demonstrating His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity (Luke 5:1-11, Luke 5:24).
- The Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus' ministry, as those who have faith are healed and forgiven (Luke 5:20, Luke 5:24).
- The Forgiveness of Sins
- Jesus' authority to forgive sins is a fundamental aspect of His ministry and mission, reminding us that our sins are not just forgiven, but also forgotten, and that we are called to live a new life in Christ (Luke 5:24).
- The Mission of the Church
- The chapter teaches that the church is called to seek and save the lost, to bring healing and hope to those around us, and to extend Jesus' love and forgiveness to others (Luke 5:27-32).
Lessons from Luke 5
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches that obedience to Jesus' call is essential for following Him and being part of His ministry (Luke 5:1-11).
- The Power of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus' ministry, as those who have faith are healed and forgiven (Luke 5:20, Luke 5:24).
- The Mission of the Church — The chapter teaches that the church is called to seek and save the lost, to bring healing and hope to those around us, and to extend Jesus' love and forgiveness to others (Luke 5:27-32).
- The Authority of Christ — The chapter teaches that Jesus has authority over nature, diseases, and sins, demonstrating His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity (Luke 5:1-11, Luke 5:24).
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life, as Jesus forgives the paralyzed man's sins and teaches about the need for forgiveness (Luke 5:24).
Themes from Luke 5
- The Ministry of Jesus — The chapter describes Jesus' early ministry, including His calling of the first disciples, His preaching and healing, and His authority over the Sabbath.
- The Authority of Christ — The chapter teaches that Jesus has authority over nature, diseases, and sins, demonstrating His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus' ministry, as those who have faith are healed and forgiven.
- The Mission of the Church — The chapter teaches that the church is called to seek and save the lost, to bring healing and hope to those around us, and to extend Jesus' love and forgiveness to others.
- The Forgiveness of Sins — The chapter teaches that Jesus' authority to forgive sins is a fundamental aspect of His ministry and mission, reminding us that our sins are not just forgiven, but also forgotten, and that we are called to live a new life in Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' authority over nature, diseases, and sins reveal about His divine nature and mission?
- How does the calling of the first disciples relate to Jesus' ministry and the formation of the early Christian community?
- What does Jesus' teaching on the new wine and old wineskins emphasize about the Christian life?
- How does Jesus' forgiveness of the paralyzed man's sins demonstrate His authority and compassion?
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of faith, forgiveness, and compassion in the Christian life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Calling of the First Disciples (Luke 5:1-11)
| Luke 5:1 | Jesus is preaching and teaching by the Lake of Gennesaret, and a large crowd is gathering to hear Him. |
| Luke 5:2 | Jesus sees two boats, one belonging to Simon Peter, and He gets into Simon's boat to preach to the crowd. |
| Luke 5:3 | After preaching, Jesus tells Simon to put out into the deep water and let down his nets for a catch. |
| Luke 5:4 | Simon is hesitant at first, but he obeys Jesus' command and lets down his nets, resulting in a huge catch of fish. |
| Luke 5:5 | The catch is so large that it fills two boats, and Simon calls for his partners, James and John, to help him. |
| Luke 5:6 | When they see the large catch, Simon, James, and John are amazed and fall down at Jesus' feet, recognizing His authority and power. |
| Luke 5:7 | Jesus tells Simon, James, and John to follow Him, and they leave their boats and nets to become His disciples. |
| Luke 5:8 | Simon, James, and John are the first disciples to be called by Jesus, and they will play a significant role in His ministry and the early Christian church. |
| Luke 5:9 | The crowd is amazed at the large catch of fish, and they begin to realize that Jesus is someone special. |
| Luke 5:10 | Jesus tells Simon, James, and John that they will be catching men instead of fish, and they will be part of His ministry to seek and save the lost. |
| Luke 5:11 | Simon, James, and John leave their boats and nets and follow Jesus, demonstrating their obedience and commitment to His ministry. |
2. Jesus Preaches and Heals in the Synagogue (Luke 5:12-16)
| Luke 5:12 | Jesus is in one of the cities, and a man with a serious skin disease comes to Him, begging to be healed. |
| Luke 5:13 | Jesus reaches out and touches the man, saying, "I am willing; be clean," and immediately the man is healed. |
| Luke 5:14 | Jesus tells the man to go to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for his cleansing, and to tell no one about his healing. |
| Luke 5:15 | But the man tells everyone about his healing, and soon a large crowd is gathering to hear Jesus and be healed. |
| Luke 5:16 | Jesus withdraws to the wilderness to pray, seeking solitude and communion with God amidst the crowds and demands of His ministry. |
3. The Paralyzed Man is Forgiven and Healed (Luke 5:17-26)
| Luke 5:17 | Jesus is teaching in a house, and a paralyzed man is brought to Him by his friends, who lower him down through the roof. |
| Luke 5:18 | When Jesus sees the faith of the paralyzed man and his friends, He forgives the man's sins, saying, "Your sins are forgiven." |
| Luke 5:19 | The teachers of the law and the Pharisees question Jesus' authority to forgive sins, saying that only God can forgive sins. |
| Luke 5:20 | Jesus knows their thoughts and says, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" |
| Luke 5:21 | Jesus then tells the paralyzed man to get up, take his mat, and go home, and the man is healed and walks away, praising God. |
| Luke 5:22 | The crowd is amazed at the healing and praises God, recognizing Jesus' authority and power to forgive sins and heal diseases. |
| Luke 5:23 | The teachers of the law and the Pharisees are still questioning Jesus' authority, but they are unable to deny the reality of the paralyzed man's healing. |
| Luke 5:24 | Jesus tells the paralyzed man, "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home." |
| Luke 5:25 | The paralyzed man gets up, takes his mat, and goes home, praising God and glorifying Him in front of the crowd. |
| Luke 5:26 | The crowd is amazed and praises God, saying, "We have seen remarkable things today," and they are filled with wonder and awe at Jesus' authority and power. |
4. The Call of Matthew (Luke 5:27-32)
| Luke 5:27 | Jesus sees a tax collector named Matthew sitting at his tax booth, and He calls him to follow Him. |
| Luke 5:28 | Matthew gets up and follows Jesus, leaving his tax booth and his old life behind. |
| Luke 5:29 | Matthew invites Jesus and His disciples to his house for a meal, and many tax collectors and sinners come to join them. |
| Luke 5:30 | The Pharisees and the teachers of the law complain that Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners, saying that He is not living up to their standards of righteousness. |
| Luke 5:31 | Jesus responds by saying that He has come to call the sinners to repentance, not the righteous, and that those who are well do not need a doctor, but those who are sick do. |
| Luke 5:32 | Jesus tells the Pharisees and the teachers of the law that He has come to seek and save the lost, and that they should not criticize Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. |
5. Jesus Teaches on the New Wine and Old Wineskins (Luke 5:33-39)
| Luke 5:33 | The Pharisees and the teachers of the law ask Jesus why His disciples do not fast like they do, and why they eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners. |
| Luke 5:34 | Jesus responds by saying that His disciples are like the friends of the bridegroom, who do not fast while the bridegroom is with them, but will fast when He is taken away from them. |
| Luke 5:35 | Jesus then tells a parable about new wine and old wineskins, saying that new wine must be put into new wineskins, or it will burst the old wineskins and spill the wine. |
| Luke 5:36 | Jesus says that no one puts new wine into old wineskins, or it will spoil the wine and the wineskins, but new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both will be preserved. |
| Luke 5:37 | Jesus then says that no one who drinks old wine wants new wine, because they say that the old wine is better. |
| Luke 5:38 | Jesus tells the Pharisees and the teachers of the law that they are like the old wineskins, and that they need to be renewed and transformed by the new wine of the gospel. |
| Luke 5:39 | Jesus concludes by saying that the old wine is indeed good, but the new wine is better, and that those who have tasted the new wine will not want to go back to the old wine. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' call to the first disciples?
Jesus' call to the first disciples is significant because it marks the beginning of His ministry and the formation of the early Christian community. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in following Jesus (Luke 5:1-11).
What does Jesus' authority to forgive sins reveal about His divine nature?
Jesus' authority to forgive sins reveals that He is the Son of God, with the power to forgive sins and bring salvation to humanity. It also highlights His compassion and mercy towards those who are suffering and in need of forgiveness (Luke 5:24).
How does Jesus' teaching on the new wine and old wineskins relate to the Christian life?
Jesus' teaching on the new wine and old wineskins emphasizes the need for renewal and transformation in the Christian life. It reminds us that we must be willing to let go of our old ways and traditions in order to receive the new wine of the gospel and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 5:33-39).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 5:1 → Matthew 4:18-22 | The calling of the first disciples is also recorded in Matthew 4:18-22, where Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. |
| 2 | Luke 5:12 → Leviticus 13:1-46 | The man with the skin disease in Luke 5:12 is an example of someone who is unclean according to the laws of Leviticus 13:1-46, and Jesus' healing of him demonstrates His authority and power over disease and uncleanness. |
| 3 | Luke 5:17 → Mark 2:1-12 | The story of the paralyzed man is also recorded in Mark 2:1-12, where Jesus forgives the man's sins and heals his body, demonstrating His authority and power over sin and disease. |
| 4 | Luke 5:24 → Psalm 103:1-5 | The idea of forgiveness and healing is also found in Psalm 103:1-5, where David praises God for forgiving his sins and healing his diseases. |
| 5 | Luke 5:27 → Matthew 9:9-13 | The call of Matthew is also recorded in Matthew 9:9-13, where Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him and eats with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost. |
| 6 | Luke 5:33 → Isaiah 58:1-14 | The idea of fasting and repentance is also found in Isaiah 58:1-14, where God calls His people to fast and repent, and to care for the poor and the oppressed. |
| 7 | Luke 5:36 → Jeremiah 13:1-11 | The parable of the new wine and old wineskins is similar to the parable of the linen belt in Jeremiah 13:1-11, where God calls His people to repent and be renewed, and to put away their old ways and traditions. |
| 8 | Luke 5:39 → Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 | The idea of the old wine being better is also found in Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, where the author says that there is nothing new under the sun, and that the old ways are often better than the new. |
Sermons on Luke 5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Distractions Are Dangerous by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus calling four fishermen, including Peter, to be his disciples. He highlights the significance of Jesus using fishing as a |
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Whatever Happened to Repentance? by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess t |
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(2006 Conference) 9. Seven Wonderful Promises by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle to let go of earthly desires and embrace the promises of the New Covenant. It encourages be |
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(John - Part 26): Jesus Walking on Water by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that according to the Bible, human society is lost and under divine sentence. He highlights the powerful influence and magnetic attraction t |
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(John - Part 21): The Impotent Man at the Pool of Bethesda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in taking a leap and daring to believe in Christ. He tells the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years an |
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Five Spiritual Vows by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Despite his long-standing discouragement, the man had to make a decision to obey and |
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Sense of the Holy by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge of expressing and understanding the divine. He emphasizes that what Isaiah saw and experienced was beyond human comprehension a |
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Free Grace by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he boldly proclaims a doctrine that goes against human merit and challenges the righteousness of moralists. He acknowle |
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Religiosity or Spirituality - Listening to the Spirit by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the specific work that God has given us. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting how Jesus o |
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Christ's Call for Sinners by Al Martin | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire to serve God and acknowledges the mercy and salvation he has received. He specifically addresses young people, emphasizing the imp |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 5
In Luke chapter 5, we see the beginning of Jesus' ministry, as He calls His first disciples, preaches and heals, and demonstrates His authority over the Sabbath. Jesus' ministry is marked by His compassion, teaching, and authority, which are all rooted in His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith, forgiveness, and compassion in the Christian life, and we are called to follow Jesus and to extend His love and forgiveness to others. May we be inspired by Jesus' example to seek and save the lost, and to bring healing and hope to those around us. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Authority
Throughout the chapter, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature, diseases, and sins, highlighting His divine nature and mission.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus' ministry, as those who have faith are healed and forgiven (Luke 5:20, Luke 5:24).
The Calling of Sinners
Jesus calls sinners to follow Him, including tax collectors and fishermen, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 5:27-32).