Luke 5

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

What does Luke 5:28 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:28 is a brief, yet profound verse that describes a pivotal moment in the life of Levi, also known as Matthew, a tax collector.

The verse follows the passage in which Jesus sees Levi at his tax booth and says to him, "Follow me." Levi's response is immediate and radical; he leaves everything behind and follows Jesus.

The literal meaning is clear: Levi gets up, abandons his tax booth (and by extension, his livelihood), and joins Jesus.

On a deeper level, this verse speaks to the transformative power of Jesus' call and the willingness to forsake one's past life and possessions to become a disciple.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This event occurs during the early part of Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

Tax collectors during that era were often despised by the Jewish community, seen as traitors for collecting taxes for the Roman authorities.

Their profession also had a reputation for corruption.

The act of Levi leaving his post would have been significant, as it meant leaving behind financial security and a position of power, albeit one viewed negatively by his peers.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this event exemplifies the concept of repentance and the call to discipleship.

Theologians might argue that Levi's response symbolizes the ideal reaction to Jesus' invitation to follow Him, prompt and with total abandonment of one's previous life, particularly of any sinful ways or ill-gotten gains.

It also underscores the importance of faith and obedience over material wealth.

Different denominations might emphasize the significance of grace, Levi was chosen by Jesus despite his social standing and occupation.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, Luke 5:28 might inspire individuals to reflect on their own priorities and attachments. It can serve as a reminder to be open to transformative experiences and to prioritize spiritual growth over material possessions.

This verse can encourage believers to trust in their faith when facing decisions that may lead them away from comfort and security toward a path that aligns more closely with their religious values.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:9 - "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he arose, and followed him."

Mark 2:14 - "And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me.

And he arose and followed him."

Language Study

The English translation 'rose up' comes from the Greek word 'anastas' (ἀναστὰς) which means to stand up or arise.

It is often used in the New Testament to signify a literal rising from a sitting or prone position, but it can also imply a figurative 'resurrection' or awakening to a new way of life. 'Followed' is translated from the Greek word 'ēkolouthēsen' (ἠκολούθησεν), which means to accompany or follow after.

It conveys not just physical movement, but also a commitment to the person being followed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of a person leaving everything to follow a religious leader is a theme present in various religious traditions.

In the Hindu epic the 'Mahabharata', the Pandava prince Arjuna chooses to follow Krishna, dedicating himself to a divine plan that requires personal sacrifice.

In Buddhism, disciples would abandon their homes and take up the monastic life to follow the Buddha’s teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a psychological standpoint, Levi's immediate decision to follow Jesus may be studied under the theory of cognitive dissonance or sudden conversion experiences.

Cognitive dissonance refers to a situation involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors, producing a feeling of mental discomfort leading to an alteration in one of the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to reduce the discomfort.

With Levi, the presence of Jesus and His teachings might have triggered such a reaction, leading to a drastic life change.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars have interpreted Luke 5:28 from different angles.

Some emphasize the socio-economic aspects of Levi's decision to leave a profitable job, while others focus on the spiritual significance of his immediate compliance with Jesus' call.

Commentators often highlight the theme of grace; Jesus reaching out to individuals who are considered outcasts or sinners in society, and those individuals responding with complete dedication and change of life.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 5:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?