As we come to chapters 5 & 6, we find Dr. Luke brings together two themes like a zipper. Jesus is beginning his ministry, and many are drawn to him and choosing to become one of his followers. Yet on the other side, many are skeptical of him, especially the Scribes and the Pharisees.
Dr. Luke is zippering these two themes together, going back and forth between the Disciples who are drawing near and the Pharisees who are keeping their distance. For today, we will focus our attention on the call of discipleship.
The Command of Jesus
- Jesus’ Authority is Broad
- He knew where the fish were, and they caught a large number (5:6a).
- Jesus’ Vision is Wide
- The fishermen caught so many fish they needed two boats (5:6b–7).
- Jesus’ Ministry is Stretching
- Just as the fishing nets were stretching, so will we be stretched in ministry (5:8–11).
- Jesus’ Call is Transforming
- These fishermen will no longer be catching fish, but men.
The Companions of Jesus
- Jesus’ Authority is Broad
- Jesus commanded the attention of the tax-collector, Levi (5:29, 6:12–16).
- Jesus’ Vision is Wide
- Jesus wants to see all people reconciled to Himself (5:30–39).
- Jesus’ Ministry is Stretching
- Jesus’ twelve disciples felt the change and stretching of Jesus’ ministry (6:13).
- Jesus’ Call is Transforming
- It all began with a simple call to follow Jesus (5:27b, 5:10b).
The Commission of Jesus
- Jesus’ Authority is Broad
- He is the Lord and Master of all of life (Matthew 28:18–20).
- Jesus’ Vision is Wide
- He wants all people to come and follow Him (19b–20).
- Jesus’ Ministry is Stretching
- This monumental task will bring Jesus’ disciples to their breaking point, but He knows what He’s doing (20b).
- Jesus’ Call is Transforming
- Because He is with us, what was impossible on our own is now ours to receive.
Takeaways:
- Will I follow Jesus’ Authority?
- Will I embrace Jesus’ Vision?
- Will I stretch toward Jesus’ Ministry?
- Will I surrender to Jesus’ Calling?
