Luke 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Luke 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The multitude pressed on Jesus, who was teaching by the lake of Gennesaret (vv. 1-3). He entered Simon's boat and directed him to let down the nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish (vv. 4-11). Simon fell at Jesus' knees, recognizing his sinfulness, and he, along with James and John, left everything to follow Jesus.

Key verse

“and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.”
Luke 5:10 (WEB)

Outline

Luke 5:1–3 Teaching by the Lake of Gennesaret
Luke 5:4–11 Miraculous Catch of Fish
Luke 5:12–16 Healing of a Leper
Luke 5:17–26 Healing of a Paralyzed Man
Luke 5:27–32 Call of Levi the Tax Collector
Luke 5:33–39 Questions About Fasting

Discussion questions

What happens in v6 that causes Simon Peter to be amazed?
In v13, what does Jesus say to the leper before healing him?
Jesus' question in v23 raises tension: why does he ask which is easier?
In v30, what does the murmuring of the scribes and Pharisees indicate about their view of Jesus?
When have you felt called to follow something new, as Levi did in v28?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Luke 5: Matthew 9, Mark 2, Luke 19.

Before next time: read Luke 6.