August 31, 2008
Bible Study, Chapter 5
Although it’s always
difficult to figure out what the world was like 2000 years ago, we do know
there were plenty of ‘traveling rabbis’ who made a living by moving from town
to town interpreting Jewish scripture. These
rabbis generally collected disciples (apprentices) who usually traveled with
him. Well known rabbis often attracted
crowds when they came to town. It was
the rabbi’s goal was to shape the thinking of his disciples; he intended for
his disciples to gain a thorough knowledge of scripture (and his
interpretation!). While Jesus clearly
followed this pattern, he obviously expected more. He intended to enlist people who would adpot his cause and buy into his agenda as much as he
intended to shape their thinking.
Therefore, what Jesus does will be as important as what he
says. It’s also
important to know that Jesus attracted opposition. And, since Luke’s goal is to cause you to
make a decision about Jesus, you’ll need to hear from those on the other side. For what reason(s) did people reject this
rabbi?
Read through chapter 5 and then peruse the appropriate
verses as you study each section.
Verses 1 - 11
Simon Peter (and his fishing buddies) was already familiar with Jesus. They were close enough for Jesus to have already spent time in Simon’s home & to have earned Simon’s gratitude (see 4:38, 39). In this episode, Jesus challenges this circle of friends to become his apprentices.
- In verse 5, Simon Peter decides to do what really isn’t rational. What reason does Simon give for deciding to try more fishing? What does this indicate about Simon? What does it tell you about his regard for Jesus?
- Simon’s reaction in verse 8 & 9 has always seemed odd to me. Why does Simon respond as he does to this episode?
- Verses 10 & 11 are told very simply. However, reflect on the very significant and practical changes that took place. What kinds of things changed in the lives of these men and their families?
- As much as is possible, put yourself in this story. What would you be thinking, saying, and doing?
Verses 12 - 26
Jesus never performed miracles to attract a crowd. Typically, in fact, the opposite was true. He often tried to keep quiet and private the news about his miracles (see verse 14). It seems Jesus performed miracles because of his compassion for people, as an indication of who he was, and to confirm that he was consumed with doing the business of God’s kingdom.
Verses 12 - 16. ‘Leprosy’ was a term that referred to a number of diseases. (Similarly, we might say, “I have some kind of stomach bug.”) Because several of these diseases were infectious and dangerous, the Old Testament included laws regulating how to handle suspected diseases. In worst cases, ‘lepers’ became outcasts, lived on the fringes of society, and could never again participate in the day-to-day lives of their families & friends. For a leper to simply be touched by a healthy person was highly unusual.
- How does Jesus treat this man?
- The process Jesus instructs this man to do in verse 14 was intended to allow this man to fully re-enter society. It’s not just physical healing Jesus provides. What’s the goal of Jesus?
- OK, so assume Jesus wants more for this man than to just not be sick. He wants for this man to experience renewed acceptance in his community. What does this indicate about Jesus’ agenda?
- As a follower of Jesus, what insight do you gain about things that are important to Jesus?
Verses 17 - 26.
Interestingly, piecing together clues from other gospels, the home in
question here might have been Simon Peter’s house in
- Verses 17
& 21 indicate that Jesus is attracting the attention of the religious
leaders of the day… the preachers, the Doctors of Theology, the guys you’d
normally see interviewed on Nightline
when someone wants a comment from a religious spokesman. You’ll learn more about these ‘Pharisees
& teachers of religious law’ later but just understand for now that these
are the men who took responsibility for guarding the integrity of religion in
- Try hard to think about real life… real wrongs you’ve done & that have been done to you. What transaction happens when a person gets forgiven? What’s the experience?
- Imagine yourself in a crowd. On one level, which is it easier for a person to say to a paralyzed man when witnesses are present: “Get up and walk” or, “You’re forgiven?” Why?
- On another level, imagine you are the person speaking. Which is it easier for you to actually do… offer forgiveness or offer healing? Why?
- So, what do you think Jesus is trying to prove here?
- If you were an observer to this episode, how would you be thinking about Jesus as you headed home?
Verses 27 - 39
Generally, a Jewish man who decided to be a tax collector was making a decision to get rich rather than to be respected. Tax collectors were in a position to gain wealth by cheating… and almost all did. Additionally, for a Jew, the daily business of collecting taxes broke several religious laws, meaning a tax collector was also saying, “I ain’t interested in the god stuff.” This is why the religious leaders respond as they do in verse 30.
- There is no clear answer, so just guess. Why do you think Matthew responded as he did to Jesus in verses 27 & 28?
- When Matthew finds himself accepted as an apprentice by this well known rabbi, what is his natural reaction?
- What is the reaction of the religious leaders to this same acceptance by Jesus of Matthew & Matthew’s friends? How does Jesus explain himself?
- The religious leaders find more to complain about in verse 33. What is it & how do you interpret Jesus’ response in verse 34?
- Try to put into your own words what Jesus is teaching in his clever little stories in verses 36 – 38.
- In verse 39, Jesus is saying, “You know, some people just never even bother to try the new stuff. How sad is that!?”
- Now, knowing that Jesus is dealing with his critics, what point is he making in these verses (36 – 39)?
- Review what happens in verses 27 – 39. What do you think is Jesus’ agenda?
Summary
What are some of the big ideas you’ve learned in chapter 5?
In light of what you’ve learned, is there any God-business you need to take care of in the immediate future?