Discovering Miracles and Transformation
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Isn’t it amazing how Jesus has a knack for breaking norms and confounding expectations? If someone were to tell you that God would pick a group of guys to change the world, who’d you expect? Priests? Pharisees? Scholars? Not fishers, surely? Their hands were coarse, they smelled fish, and they probably couldn’t write an eloquent sermon. But, in Luke 5:1–11, Jesus sees these negatively perceived fellows as his first disciples—Simon, James, and John. He saw beyond their rough exteriors, recognizing their humble hearts, primed for the gospel. This remarkable event serves as an invitation not only to Peter but also to each one of us today—an invitation to leave our comfort zones behind and step out boldly onto uncharted waters guided by the voice of our Savior. Jesus calls us to be fishers of people.
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
An outcast with leprosy is described in Luke 5:12–16. Back then, leprosy was not just a common cold. It was a life sentence to isolation and rejection. Jesus touches the man instead of just standing there and uttering religious platitudes! A leper was not to be touched. But Jesus broke the barrier and healed him. Jesus’ touch signified not just healing but acceptance and restoration. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for Jesus’ reaching hand of love and redemption. Though we may not face literal leprosy today, we still grapple daily with our own brokenness—be it physical ailments or deep-seated emotional wounds. Jesus still heals today, just as He did back then. He invites us to approach Him with faith, seeking restoration and freedom from sin.
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man
Did you ever have a group of friends who’d do anything for you, no matter how ridiculous it sounds? The paralyzed man’s friends in Luke 5:17–26 looked like that. These friends, exhibiting an impressive mix of faith and audacity, lowered their friend through a roof to get him to Jesus. But their efforts weren’t in vain; Jesus caused another stir by declaring the man’s sins forgiven before restoring his ability to walk. While others murmured at Jesus’ audacity to forgive sins, the paralyzed man was up and strolling around, marveling at his newfound mobility. Are we willing to take bold steps of faith like these four friends? Are we ready to bring others into contact with Christ’s life-transforming presence? Let us draw inspiration from this incredible account as we seek opportunities both individually and collectively within our communities to carry people closer to Jesus. May we all feel the same intensity in our hearts.
Jesus Calls Levi and Eats with Sinners
But in Luke 5:27–32, the people again struggle to digest Jesus’ actions as He courteously dines with tax collectors and sinners, aka society’s bottom rung. Even more perplexing is when He picks Levi, a tax collector—and just so we’re clear, tax collectors were universally despised—to become His disciple. Jesus, true to form, repeats this stirring message: God’s grace doesn’t discriminate. Levi’s story imparts the powerful truth that it doesn’t matter who we were or what we did before Jesus met us; His love is transformative. It is a lovely reminder that Jesus invites us to have a relationship with Him despite our past transgressions and present difficulties. He meets us where we are; we do not need to prepare ourselves in order to come to Him. So let this story inspire you today. Remember that Jesus calls unlikely individuals like you and me into His kingdom work. And may we do as He did, which was to show love and compassion to those that society deems undeserving, by dining with sinners at Levi’s house?
Jesus was asked about Fasting
The Pharisees wondered why Jesus’ disciples weren’t fasting as John’s disciples and the Pharisees were (Luke 5:33–39). Jesus’ response is profound. He likens himself to a bridegroom, saying folks can’t fast while the party’s still active. Interestingly, Jesus introduces the new wineskins metaphor, reflecting the radical change He brings in. Jesus reminds us that some traditions must be re-evaluated in light of His revolutionary teachings. This encounter with the Pharisees serves as a powerful reminder for us today. It reminds us that our call as followers of Christ is not simply to stay within our comfort zones or surround ourselves only with like-minded individuals. Instead, we are called to reach out to those who are lost and broken, just as Jesus did.
I will now leave you with this challenge: let us keep living according to Jesus’ teachings in the modern day. Let us love and embrace those around us with the same radical love that He showed to all. And may we never forget that everyone needs a doctor, not just the healthy; Jesus came to heal us all.