Reading Plan for Luke 5:1-7
Here we are, in the week before Lent, often known as the final days of Ordinary Time. That almost sounds sad, doesn’t it? But this week is full of opportunity—a time to reflect, prepare, and plan for the journey ahead. Lent invites us to deepen our faith through fasting, prayer, and acts of service. That makes this week is the perfect time to decide what those practices might look like for each of us.
Last year, we did a special project together, one that brought us closer to God by growing mustard plants. What will we do this year? Trust me, I have something planned, and this time, we’ll do our best to keep Satan’s fingers out of it. IYKYK.
Of all the gospels, Luke’s version of this story resonates with me most. Luke’s writing draws us straight into the lives of the disciples, their personalities, and the awe they experienced in witnessing what Jesus could do. It’s a story of transformation, of ordinary people invited into an extraordinary mission—and I think it’s the perfect way to frame our “Lent” this year.
How about you all, have you been feeling transformed lately? If not then get ready. That is what Lent helps us encounter – personal change.
Next week Tuesday we kick off the Lenten season with the youth group preparing a pancake dinner for Fat Tuesday (more on that later). For this week – between the Sundays – let’s meet the first few disciples.
Note: Remember back in Luke 4 – Jesus already had an encounter with Simon (Peter). Simon (and likely Andrew) saw the miracle healing of his mother-in-law.
Remember the rules? Read the scripture then come back to the blog for your thoughts and reflections. I hope you enjoy this weeks study in Luke.
Day 1: The Crowds Press to Hear God’s Word
Devotional Thought:
I don’t know about you all, but I am not a fan of crowds. After a few trips to India I sort of got use to the pressing of people from all sides. However, I still like to think Jesus jumps on the boat to get some distance. Here we get another glimpse of His teaching style. (Who needs a synagogue?) Jesus, like the promised teacher of Isaiah, draws the crowds hungry to hear the Word of God. By reflecting in the OT verses, we can see that it was the plan all along for His teaching to fulfill the longing for wisdom and truth.
Reflect on your own hunger for God’s Word and how Jesus’ teaching continues to guide your life. Hungry? I’m getting hungry thinking about those pancakes just a day over a week away!
Day 2: The Miraculous Catch of Fish
Devotional Thought:
I’m always a bit struck by Simon’s surprise – but as I said last week – the healing of his mother-in-law through prayer was not uncommon in those times. That’s what Rabbi’s did. But this load of fish reveals Jesus’ power over all creation. Wow! Like the psalmist’s depiction of God’s works in the deep, this miracle shows the sovereignty of God.
Reflect on how God meets you in your efforts and provides in ways beyond your imagination. I don’t know about you, but I have a big imagination – but even this story might nudge me into a new kind of thinking. (psst - that’s the point of these verses)
Day 3: Simon Peter’s Humility
Devotional Thought:
Simon’s has had back-to-back miraculous events unfold before his eyes. His response to Jesus mirrors Isaiah’s response to the holiness of God: a recognition of sinfulness and unworthiness. The fun part in this text is we see Simon step right up in a leadership role he will continue to hold. Step right up fellas “don’t be afraid!” But we all know the real Peter that emerges in Jesus’ final days don’t we…
Reflect on how Jesus transforms your astonishment, your victories, and even your failures and weaknesses into an opportunity for His mission. When called by God do you say, “Here I am, Send Me?
Day 4: Leaving Everything to Follow Jesus
Devotional Thought:
Simon, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus, just as Elisha left his livelihood to follow Elijah. I think about these stories quite often. Heck, my boat is named “Fisher’s of Men.” But I don’t know if I could have done what these fellas did. Drop everything?
Does our culture really allow us to think like that? That’s the power of the presence of Jesus. When we have him deep in our hearts our feet want to follow.
Reflect on what it means to leave behind earthly securities to follow God’s calling, trusting in His provision and purpose. Can you remember a time when you doubted Him? How did that work out for you?
Day 5: Jesus Cleanses the Leper
When we read between the lines here we can see that Jesus was already getting a reputation. Remember in Chapter 4, he healed nearly the whole town. Why do you think Luke drops another healing in here? Here’s a hint. Just as Naaman was cleansed by God’s power through Elisha, Jesus shows His divine authority by cleansing the leper. Is Luke letting the Old Testament point to the New?
I mentioned earlier I used to travel to India. "Untouchables" are a real group of the most marginalized that exists in our world today. I still don't understand the cast system, but it was my opportunity to see a world much like where Jesus was ministering.
Reflect on how Jesus’ willingness to touch the untouchable reveals His compassion and power to make you spiritually clean. What are the boundaries of your comfort zone? Where do you draw the line in what you are willing to do and be exposed to? Then think - WWJD?
Day 6: The Power of Prayer
Now we see Luke wrapping up this section like he did in Chapter 4. Despite His growing popularity and the demands of His ministry, Jesus prioritized prayer and communion with the Father. This is why I like how Luke introduces Jesus to us. There is a fixed formula on display in his writing. He doesn’t force it on us. With eyes to see we are already learning how to emulate a day in the life of The Christ.
Reflect on your own prayer life and how you can follow Jesus’ example of seeking God in the midst of busyness and ministry. Last year I taught everyone the Red light prayer? There is always an opportunity for prayer. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Forgive me, a sinner.”
Ok - I hope you find this week engaging. We will walk through Luke 5:1-7 on Sunday. I'm just starting to do my sermon research. I look forward to digging into this text for the nuggets I discover every time I read it. Feel free to share any of your insights with me. I'm not to proud to borrow your ideas and tucking them into a sermon. You are the church!
Last year, we did a special project together, one that brought us closer to God by growing mustard plants. What will we do this year? Trust me, I have something planned, and this time, we’ll do our best to keep Satan’s fingers out of it. IYKYK.
Of all the gospels, Luke’s version of this story resonates with me most. Luke’s writing draws us straight into the lives of the disciples, their personalities, and the awe they experienced in witnessing what Jesus could do. It’s a story of transformation, of ordinary people invited into an extraordinary mission—and I think it’s the perfect way to frame our “Lent” this year.
How about you all, have you been feeling transformed lately? If not then get ready. That is what Lent helps us encounter – personal change.
Next week Tuesday we kick off the Lenten season with the youth group preparing a pancake dinner for Fat Tuesday (more on that later). For this week – between the Sundays – let’s meet the first few disciples.
Note: Remember back in Luke 4 – Jesus already had an encounter with Simon (Peter). Simon (and likely Andrew) saw the miracle healing of his mother-in-law.
Remember the rules? Read the scripture then come back to the blog for your thoughts and reflections. I hope you enjoy this weeks study in Luke.
Day 1: The Crowds Press to Hear God’s Word
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:1-3
- Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 2:2-3
Devotional Thought:
I don’t know about you all, but I am not a fan of crowds. After a few trips to India I sort of got use to the pressing of people from all sides. However, I still like to think Jesus jumps on the boat to get some distance. Here we get another glimpse of His teaching style. (Who needs a synagogue?) Jesus, like the promised teacher of Isaiah, draws the crowds hungry to hear the Word of God. By reflecting in the OT verses, we can see that it was the plan all along for His teaching to fulfill the longing for wisdom and truth.
Reflect on your own hunger for God’s Word and how Jesus’ teaching continues to guide your life. Hungry? I’m getting hungry thinking about those pancakes just a day over a week away!
Day 2: The Miraculous Catch of Fish
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:4-7
- Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 107:23-24, 28-30
Devotional Thought:
I’m always a bit struck by Simon’s surprise – but as I said last week – the healing of his mother-in-law through prayer was not uncommon in those times. That’s what Rabbi’s did. But this load of fish reveals Jesus’ power over all creation. Wow! Like the psalmist’s depiction of God’s works in the deep, this miracle shows the sovereignty of God.
Reflect on how God meets you in your efforts and provides in ways beyond your imagination. I don’t know about you, but I have a big imagination – but even this story might nudge me into a new kind of thinking. (psst - that’s the point of these verses)
Day 3: Simon Peter’s Humility
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:8-10a
- Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 6:5-8
Devotional Thought:
Simon’s has had back-to-back miraculous events unfold before his eyes. His response to Jesus mirrors Isaiah’s response to the holiness of God: a recognition of sinfulness and unworthiness. The fun part in this text is we see Simon step right up in a leadership role he will continue to hold. Step right up fellas “don’t be afraid!” But we all know the real Peter that emerges in Jesus’ final days don’t we…
Reflect on how Jesus transforms your astonishment, your victories, and even your failures and weaknesses into an opportunity for His mission. When called by God do you say, “Here I am, Send Me?
Day 4: Leaving Everything to Follow Jesus
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:10b-11
- Parallel OT Scripture: 1 Kings 19:19-21
Devotional Thought:
Simon, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus, just as Elisha left his livelihood to follow Elijah. I think about these stories quite often. Heck, my boat is named “Fisher’s of Men.” But I don’t know if I could have done what these fellas did. Drop everything?
Does our culture really allow us to think like that? That’s the power of the presence of Jesus. When we have him deep in our hearts our feet want to follow.
Reflect on what it means to leave behind earthly securities to follow God’s calling, trusting in His provision and purpose. Can you remember a time when you doubted Him? How did that work out for you?
Day 5: Jesus Cleanses the Leper
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:12-13
- Parallel OT Scripture: 2 Kings 5:13-14
When we read between the lines here we can see that Jesus was already getting a reputation. Remember in Chapter 4, he healed nearly the whole town. Why do you think Luke drops another healing in here? Here’s a hint. Just as Naaman was cleansed by God’s power through Elisha, Jesus shows His divine authority by cleansing the leper. Is Luke letting the Old Testament point to the New?
I mentioned earlier I used to travel to India. "Untouchables" are a real group of the most marginalized that exists in our world today. I still don't understand the cast system, but it was my opportunity to see a world much like where Jesus was ministering.
Reflect on how Jesus’ willingness to touch the untouchable reveals His compassion and power to make you spiritually clean. What are the boundaries of your comfort zone? Where do you draw the line in what you are willing to do and be exposed to? Then think - WWJD?
Day 6: The Power of Prayer
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:15-16
- Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 63:1
Now we see Luke wrapping up this section like he did in Chapter 4. Despite His growing popularity and the demands of His ministry, Jesus prioritized prayer and communion with the Father. This is why I like how Luke introduces Jesus to us. There is a fixed formula on display in his writing. He doesn’t force it on us. With eyes to see we are already learning how to emulate a day in the life of The Christ.
Reflect on your own prayer life and how you can follow Jesus’ example of seeking God in the midst of busyness and ministry. Last year I taught everyone the Red light prayer? There is always an opportunity for prayer. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Forgive me, a sinner.”
Ok - I hope you find this week engaging. We will walk through Luke 5:1-7 on Sunday. I'm just starting to do my sermon research. I look forward to digging into this text for the nuggets I discover every time I read it. Feel free to share any of your insights with me. I'm not to proud to borrow your ideas and tucking them into a sermon. You are the church!
Posted in A Bridge To Lent
No Comments