Chapter Summary

Miraculous draught of fishes. Healing of a leper and a paralytic. Call of Matthew. The scribes and Pharisees answered. Parables of the garment and bottles.

Discussion Questions for Luke, Chapter 5

1. What is the significance of Jesus performing a miracle involving fishing, especially for Peter, who was a fisherman? What miracle would Jesus do to make you believe in Him today?
2. How does Peter's reaction to the miracle highlight the tension between his recognition of Jesus' divinity and his own unworthiness? If Jesus would walk the streets of a city today, would people consider themselves to be unworthy to approach Him? Why or why not?
3. What does the healing of the leper reveal about Jesus' compassion and willingness to reach out to those who were considered unclean in society? How does the church continue to reach out to the unclean in society? How well do you think the church has compassion on those that are considered unclean in today's society?
4. How does Jesus' command to the healed leper to follow the proper rituals to go to the priest emphasize the importance of adhering to societal norms and religious laws? How does society treat traditions and societal norms today? Is the way we treat traditions and societal norms a positive or negative occurrence? Why?
5. What do the actions of the friends who lowered the paralytic through the roof teach us about the importance of community and determination in seeking Jesus? The common preaching point for this section of the text is that the friends loved the paralytic enough not to let anything hinder them to bring their friend to Jesus. Describe the burden you have to take your friends to Jesus. How do you try to meet that burden?
6. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were critical of Jesus' forgiveness of sins. How does this interaction highlight the tension between religious authorities and Jesus' teachings? Which do you think was easier, the healing of the paralytic physically or to forgive him of his sins? Why?
7. How does the calling of Levi (also known as Matthew) illustrate Jesus' mission to reach out to sinners and outcasts, inviting them to a new way of life? If the Lord called you to ministry, what do you think would be a hindrance in your life to go into ministry? How does Jesus's call of Levi (Matthew) alleviate your concerns about going into ministry if you are called?
8. What implications does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about why he eats with tax collectors and sinners have on our understanding of grace and redemption?
9. Luke 5:33 begins to teach about fasting. We do not discuss fasting in many churches today. Do you believe that fasting is a prayer practice that we should do in modern society or is it no longer necessary? Explain your answer.
10. In what ways does Luke 5 illustrate the concept of Jesus as a boundary-breaker, challenging societal norms and expectations? How are we challenged as believers to challenge societal norms and expectations today?

Key Words/Phrase

Faith in Christ, vv. 5, 12, 20, 28.

Characters

God, Jesus, Simon, James, John, leper, Moses, Pharisees, scribes, Levi, John the Baptist.

Strong Verse(s)

24 (a), 32.