Articles
I Will Follow Jesus - Luke 5
I Will Follow Jesus - Luke 5
Having been baptized and withstanding the temptations of Jesus, Jesus began his ‘public ministry’. He not only went through the land teaching, he confirmed his teaching and claims with signs, wonders, and miracles (cp. Acts 2:22-23, John 20:30-31).
Luke records that by the very power of Jesus the disciples brought in a great catch of fish after having fished the whole night before and catching nothing (1-11). Jesus then cleansed a leper of his leprosy (12-15). He followed that by restoring a paralytic to complete health (17-25).
Along with this he called Levi to ‘follow Him’ - to become a disciple (27). He called the fishermen to change their occupation and become fishers of men. He also started a rather heated controversy by claiming the power to forgive sins (20-24).
The apostles, seeing the power of Jesus in their great catch of fish, responded with fear and awe and ‘left everything and followed him’ (11). At the healing of the leper, large crowds began to gather to hear the words of this Son of God (vs. 15). The people that witnessed the healing of the paralytic were seized with amazement, filled with awe, and glorified God (26). The paralytic went home glorifying God (25). Levi also ‘left everything and followed Jesus (28).
These stories of Jesus are not just stories but rather are the basis of our own discipleship. We are called to become disciples (see the great commission, Matt. 28:18-19). WHY would anyone do that? The proof is in these stories. Many of those that heard, observed, or interacted with Jesus left everything and followed Him. Many of us have read these stories and are now followers of Jesus. Thank you Lord for showing us the way through your Son.
Hugh DeLong
