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Come and Follow Me
Luke — Chapter 5 (BSB)
Chapter Overview
Luke 5 opens with Jesus teaching from Simon's boat on the Sea of Galilee and then performing a miraculous catch of fish that brings Simon Peter to his knees in humility (v. 1-11). Jesus then demonstrates His authority and compassion by healing a man full of leprosy with a single touch (v. 12-16), an act that would have been scandalous to onlookers since touching a leper made one ceremonially unclean under the Law. The chapter continues with Jesus healing a paralyzed man lowered through a roof by four determined friends, and in doing so He claims the divine authority to forgive sins — drawing sharp opposition from the Pharisees and scribes (v. 17-26). Luke then records the calling of Levi, a tax collector considered a spiritual and social outcast, whom Jesus invites to follow Him and then dines with openly (v. 27-32). The chapter closes with a teaching on new wine and old wineskins (v. 36-39), signaling that Jesus has not come to patch up the old religious system but to bring something entirely new — a message every believer must personally reckon with in their own walk with God.
Key Verses
Luke 5:5 (BSB)
"“Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”"
Simon had every reason to rely on his own expertise as a seasoned fisherman, yet he chose obedience over experience. This verse is an invitation to ask yourself where you are resisting Jesus because your own efforts have already 'failed' and you see no reason to try again. Surrender and obedience at His word — even when it makes no natural sense — is where God's abundance is waiting for you.
Luke 5:8 (BSB)
"When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”"
An encounter with the true power and holiness of Jesus produces genuine humility rather than pride. Peter's response shows that when we truly see who Jesus is, we also see ourselves more clearly — not to condemn us, but to prepare us for His grace. God's presence doesn't push you away in your sinfulness; it draws you closer and transforms you.
Luke 5:13 (BSB)
"Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him."
The leper in verse 12 was untouchable by society's standards, yet Jesus reached out and touched him before speaking the word of healing — the touch itself was a statement of love. This is a deeply personal reminder that no part of your life is too unclean, too broken, or too far gone for Jesus to reach. He is always willing — His 'I am willing' is meant for you too.
Luke 5:20 (BSB)
"When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”"
The paralyzed man's friends carried him to Jesus when he could not get there himself, and Jesus responded to the faith He saw in all of them. This verse is a beautiful reminder that forgiveness — not just physical healing — is the deepest need Jesus came to meet. It also reminds you that your faith in action can be the very thing that brings someone else into the presence of Jesus.
Luke 5:31-32 (BSB)
"Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”"
Jesus' willingness to eat with Levi and his fellow tax collectors was not carelessness about sin — it was a declaration of His mission. He came specifically for those who know they need Him, not for those who believe they have it all together. Let this verse be a personal comfort: your need, your brokenness, and your honest acknowledgment of it are exactly what qualify you to receive Jesus.
Main Themes
- Radical obedience to Jesus' call
- Jesus' power to forgive and restore the broken
- The new life Jesus brings cannot be contained in old ways
Discussion Questions
- Is there an area of your life where you have been relying on your own strength or expertise rather than trusting Jesus at His word — and what would it look like to let down the nets again?
- When you picture Jesus reaching out to touch the leper, how does it change the way you see yourself coming to Him with the parts of your life you feel most ashamed of?
Personal Application
This week, identify one specific situation where you have been striving in your own effort and choose to surrender it to Jesus with a simple prayer of obedience — trusting that His word over your life is more powerful than your best strategy.
Practice coming to Jesus honestly this week by starting each morning prayer with an acknowledgment of your need for Him, letting the posture of Peter at His knees — humble, real, and fully seen — shape how you approach God each day.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, like Simon Peter I confess that I often trust my own understanding more than Your word, and I come before You now humbled by how much I need You. Thank You that You touch the untouchable, forgive the broken, and call the unqualified — and that Your invitation to follow You is extended to me. Teach me to let down the nets in faith, to come to You honestly with every part of my life, and to trust that You are always willing to make me clean. In Jesus name, Amen.