Luke 5 is a chapter for tough guys. I have known rough, calloused men that work in construction and on boats. Physical work requires grit. Jesus is often pictured as a frail guy dressed in white, surrounded by saints. Is that the reality? Today’s chapter shows us the tender tough-guys that became apostles. They were not students of religion; they were all local laborers that had made some mistakes in life. I’m sure all had more than a few regrets. The chapter begins, “Jesus was standing by the Lake” the people were crowding around Him, “listening to the word of God”. He looked and saw “fishermen, who were washing their nets” and He asked Simon (later called Peter) “to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat” using the natural amphitheater of the shoreline. We do not know what Jesus said, but I have no doubt that Peter heard every word. When Jesus finished addressing those on the shore, He told Peter to “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch”. All fishermen have their favorite spots and after working all night with no results, Peter was ready to relax with the boys. Peter obeyed, and “They caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break”. Even after calling his buddies over to help, the catch was more than the boats could hold. Afterwards, Peter fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” I believe Peter’s hard shell had been peeled back by the offer of forgiveness. Friend, have you developed an unfeeling exterior?
Jesus told Peter and his partners, James and John, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people”. They left their old life behind, “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him”. They did not put on church clothes; they came just as they were. Immediately we read the story of Jesus being approached by a man with leprosy. Even rowdy fisherman would not tangle with that. The man cried out, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean”. Jesus did the unimaginable; He “reached out His hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ He said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him”. They saw that the Spirit of God is more powerful than brute force. Are you too stubborn to listen?
Next Jesus was teaching while “Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there”. These were the powerful religious leaders, clearly concerned about the new threat. “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick”. Some men lowered their paralyzed friend through a hole they made in the roof. “When Jesus saw their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven’”. The angry Pharisees asked “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus responded, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’” Men of action know that talk is cheap. Jesus continued, “I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins… take your mat and go home”. “Immediately he stood up… and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed”. After this, “Jesus…saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth”. He was not an accountant, but hired muscle to strong-arm his own people for Rome. He certainly used force to get his money and was universally hated. Jesus called to him, “‘Follow Me’, and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him”. Listen to what the politically powerful said, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus proclaimed to all, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance”. Here is my question for you, tough-guy; how many people would take a bullet for you? Jesus took the punishment for every wrong you have ever done to buy your forgiveness. Are you still afraid to change? Now, who is the wimp?