As you think of some of the people you knew in childhood, how has time changed some ofthem? What surprises you the most about these changes?
Jesus called his disciples from ordinary people with diverse backgrounds to follow him.
Read Luke 5: 4-11
Luke’s focus is really more on the call of Peter and the other fishermen, rather than the great catch of fish.
- What element in this passage stands out most to you?
- How was God’s grace and mercy demonstrated to Peter and the other fishermen?
- How is that same grace and mercy extended today?
5:8 A believer’s past sinfulness does not disqualify him or her from being used by God.
- Why is it important for a person to realize his or her sinfulness?
- How does doing so open thedoor for God to work?
5:11 Peter, James, and John turned their backs on their business and started a new adventurewith Jesus. They were three of the Twelve men Jesus eventually called to walk with Him during
His time on earth, including Matthew.
Read Luke 5:27-28.
Answer the who, what, where, and when/how in these verses.
- What are some things that might hold a person back from following Jesus?
- How does Jesus’invitation to follow Him remove those potential barriers?
Read Luke 5:29-32
- What are the various attitudes reflected by religious leaders?
- Who are the tax collectors and sinners in our culture today?
- How are they excluded in our culture?
- Who is more difficult to deal with, “sinners” (represented by the tax-collector) or the selfrighteous (represented by the Pharisees)?
- How can self-righteousness get in the way of sharing the gospel with others?
Application
Jesus uses ordinary people with diverse backgrounds in His work.
- How has your understanding of sinners changed as a result of today’s study?