It seems that every chapter in Luke has some major practical lessons for us today. Here are some of the lessons that I think worthy of special consideration from chapter five.

When Jesus told an experienced fisherman, Simon, to “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch,” Peter said, “We have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Lk. 5:4,5). Peter was a fisherman by trade and his experience indicated that what Jesus said would not work, but his faith was rewarded when he obeyed the instructions of Jesus.

Many today question the wisdom of Christ and think that His way will not work, but  true faith obeys, even when we do not understand how His instructions could  be best.

Jesus said that the gospel is sufficient to draw people to Him (Mk. 16:15,16), and Paul said he would not use oratory nor human wisdom to draw men, but only “Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Some say that will not work in the modern age, but when faith obeys, God blesses.

Paul told the Corinthians to withdraw from the ungodly, so that their spirits may be saved (1 Cor. 5:5,9,10). Many say “that will not work,” but when the Corinthians obeyed, the man who was living in sin repented and they received him back (2 Cor. 2:4-9).

Second, when Peter saw the large catch of fish and realized that he was in the presence of Jesus, he said “depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Lk. 5:8). When he realized who Jesus was, he realized his own condition. Many are content with themselves because they do not know who Jesus is and what He expects. James and John, along with Peter “forsook all and followed Him” when they realized the greatness of the Lord (v. 11).

     Third, when Jesus saw the faith of those who let the paralyzed man down through the roof, He said “your sins are forgiven you” (Lk. 5:20). The scribes and Pharisees called it blasphemy and said “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” They may have thought that it was easy for Jesus to say that, but He could not really do it. Then Jesus said “Which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say Rise up and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins—He said to the man who was paralyzed, I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house” (vs. 23,24). The power to heal was demonstrable proof that He also had power to say “your sins are forgiven you.”

Fourth, when Jesus went to Levi’s (Matthew’s) house the scribes and Pharisees condemned Him for associating with such a sinner (vs. 27-30), His explanation for associating with Levi, and other tax collectors, rather than with them, was that “those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick” (v. 31). He was not saying that the scribes and Pharisees were not sick, but unlike “tax collectors and sinners” they did not realize that they needed help, therefore He did not come to help them. Jesus did not come to save the “righteous,” or those who think they are, but to call “sinners to repentance” (v. 32). He could not, and cannot, help those who feel no need for help!

Fifth, the chapter concludes with a parable illustrating the difference between His system and that of the scribes and Pharisees which was based on the Law. He said that you do not put new cloth in an old garment, nor new wine in old wineskins. He was saying that His system is not a patch on the old system, but a completely new system. It was certainly different from Pharisaic traditions, but was also different from the Law of Moses. Then, He concluded that one who drinks “old wine” does not “immediately desire new; for he says the old is better” (v. 39). The principle seems to be things that do not harmonize should not be put together. Some say that the “new wine” here is Christ’s plan that will become better, therefore should not be rejected. Others say that Christ’s plan is the “old” which is less harsh or sour and is mellow. Either interpretation reaches the same conclusion—the system of Christ is different from the one under which the scribes and Pharisees lived and should not be mixed with it. The gospel system is completely new and is superior to the Old system.