Luke 5

The Calling of Peter: A Glimpse into the Kingdom of God

In Luke 5, we encounter the pivotal moment when Jesus calls His first disciples, beginning with Simon Peter. Peter’s response to this call, especially after the miraculous catch of fish, is filled with profound lessons about humility, faith, and the nature of God's grace.

The Posture of Humility

When Peter witnesses the miraculous catch of fish, his immediate reaction is to fall to his knees and confess his unworthiness. “Go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man,” he says, acknowledging his own shortcomings in the presence of such divine power. At first glance, this might seem like a display of deep humility, but it also reflects a common misunderstanding. Peter believes that because of his sin, Jesus should not associate with him. This belief is rooted in the idea that God only works with those who are "holy" or "worthy" by human standards.

However, Jesus’ response to Peter is both reassuring and transformative: "Don't be afraid." Despite Peter’s sense of inadequacy, Jesus calls him to a new life—one that involves becoming a "fisher of men." This interaction underscores a key truth of the gospel: God is not deterred by our shortcomings. In fact, it's precisely when we recognize our inability that God can truly work in and through us. Our awareness of our need for grace opens the door for God's redemptive work in our lives.

Jesus' Invitation to a New Way

Jesus’ invitation to Peter—and to all of us—is a call to follow a new path, one that transcends our past mistakes and failures. Jesus reassures Peter that he is not defined by his sins, but by his willingness to follow the call of God. This new way of living is not about achieving perfection, but about submitting our lives to Jesus' guidance, recognizing that our true purpose is found in Him.

When Jesus says, "From now on, you will fish for people," He shifts Peter’s entire perspective. Peter, a fisherman by trade, is now called to catch people instead of fish. This change represents not only a shift in profession but in purpose. It's a reminder that God calls each of us right where we are, using our unique experiences, skills, and personalities to advance His kingdom. Whether we're at a bus stop, in the workplace, or at home, God’s call extends to every aspect of our lives. Like Peter, we too are invited to be part of God's mission, regardless of our past or present.

The Healing of the Leper: A New Kind of Grace

The chapter continues with another profound display of Jesus’ authority and compassion when He heals a man with leprosy. Leprosy, in Jesus’ time, was not only a devastating physical condition but also a source of social isolation. Lepers were outcasts, required to announce their unclean status and live in separation from the rest of society. In this context, Jesus' actions are revolutionary. He does not shy away from the leper; instead, He reaches out, touches him, and declares him clean. This act of touching an unclean man challenges the societal norms of the time and demonstrates that Jesus’ grace extends to those who are deemed unworthy by society.

This healing is a powerful reminder that Jesus does not discriminate based on outward appearances or past mistakes. His grace is for everyone, regardless of their status, past, or perceived worthiness. Just as Jesus reaches out to the leper, He also reaches out to us in our brokenness, offering healing and transformation.

Peter’s transformation—from a fisherman to a fisher of men—reminds us that our purpose is found in God’s kingdom, and that our work, no matter how ordinary it may seem, can be part of something extraordinary when we submit it to God. As we follow Jesus, we too are invited to embrace the new life He offers, a life marked by grace, humility, and purpose.

In this new kingdom that Jesus inaugurates, there is no one beyond His reach. Whether we are struggling with feelings of unworthiness or carrying the weight of our past, Jesus invites us to come, just as we are, and find healing, purpose, and belonging in Him.

The Power of Jesus' Authority

When we look at verses 24-26, the religious leaders are grappling with a profound question: Who is this man who claims the authority to forgive sins? Jesus responds with clarity: "I am Him." By forgiving sins, Jesus demonstrates that He is not just another teacher or healer; He is the Son of God with the power to restore us, to make us whole.

This message is liberating. Jesus offers us freedom, not by our own ability or goodness, but through His grace. For those who recognize their brokenness—whether it's a leper who is physically unclean, a tax collector like Levi who is socially outcast, or even Peter who acknowledges his own sinfulness—Jesus’ invitation is clear: Come into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is here for those who know they need help. His grace is enough for us when we can’t do it ourselves.

The Radical Call to Follow

In this passage, we also see Jesus calling Levi, the tax collector, to follow Him. Levi's response is striking—he leaves everything to follow Jesus. This moment raises a challenge for us. What would it look like for us to leave everything and fully commit our lives to Him? Our money, jobs, relationships, hobbies—everything must be realigned under the lordship of Christ.

This call isn’t just for the people we might consider “sinners” or “outcasts”; it’s a call for all of us. The disciples who followed Jesus also made this radical choice. Even the rich man who came to Jesus seeking eternal life had to decide whether he would leave his wealth behind to follow Christ. Jesus calls us to leave behind the things that hold us back from fully following Him—no matter how good or comfortable they may seem.

A New Way to Live: Following Jesus Beyond Tradition

We see Jesus questioned about fasting in the latter part of the passage. The religious leaders are puzzled as to why His disciples aren’t fasting according to tradition. Jesus responds with a powerful parable about new wine and new wineskins. He teaches that the old ways—represented by the law and traditions—cannot contain the new life He offers.

Jesus didn’t come to patch up the old system; He came to bring something completely new—a relationship with God that isn’t based on rituals or outward observance, but on inner transformation and following Him. The invitation is to embrace this new way of living, a way that goes beyond traditions, beyond the letter of the law, and into the freedom of grace.

We are invited to leave behind a life of empty tradition and to embrace a dynamic, transformative relationship with Jesus. As we do this, we allow His grace to reshape our hearts, and in turn, we extend that grace to others.

Conclusion

As we reflect on this passage, let’s ask ourselves: Do we recognize our need for Jesus? Are we willing to leave everything behind to follow Him? And, are we ready to embrace the new life He offers, a life that is centered on grace, compassion, and a deep relationship with Him?

The gospel is indeed liberating, and it invites us into a life that is not about following rituals, but about following the one who came to seek and save the lost. Let's not miss the invitation. Let’s sit at His table, accept His grace, and live as transformed people, ready to share that transformation with the world.