Luke 5 Bible study questions help a small group, Sunday class or personal reader work through a chapter in which Jesus calls his first disciples, heals a man with leprosy, forgives a paralyzed man, and defends sharing meals with tax collectors. The questions below move from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life. Each one comes with a leader’s note you can use or adapt.
Luke 5 at a Glance
The chapter opens by the lake of Gennesaret, where Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat and then tells the weary fishermen to go out again. Their obedient catch leads Simon Peter to confess his sinfulness, and Jesus calls him and his partners to follow. The scene then shifts through three encounters: a healing of leprosy, a healing and forgiveness for a paralyzed man let down through a roof, and the calling of Levi the tax collector.
The final section turns to questions about fasting and feasting, where Jesus answers his critics with images of a bridegroom, a patch on cloth, and wine in skins. Keep these movements in view as you read, because the questions in each set refer back to them.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to the exact words in the text and to describe what happens, without explaining it yet. Keep the pace slow so that details like the boats, the nets and the roof are noticed.
Luke 5:4-6
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.
(WEB)
Read this passage to show the group how the miraculous catch begins with a simple command and a willing response. It sets the tone for the chapter by linking obedience with abundance.
Luke 5:8-11
8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” 9 For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; 10 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.” 11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed him.
(WEB)
This reading captures the pivotal moment when Simon confesses his sin and is called into a new mission. Hearing it aloud helps the group feel the shift from fear to commissioning.
Luke 5:12-13
12 While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” 13 He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him.
(WEB)
Reading the healing of the leper aloud highlights the compassion of Jesus, who reaches out and touches a man society had pushed aside. It gives the group an image of mercy in action.
Luke 5:20-24
20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you;’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?’ 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house.”
(WEB)
This passage places forgiveness and healing side by side and raises the question of Jesus’ authority. Reading it slowly allows the group to follow the argument that unfolds in the room.
Luke 5:31-32
31 Jesus answered them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
(WEB)
Reading Jesus’ words about the physician and the sick brings the chapter’s central theme into focus. It is a short passage that invites reflection on who the group believes needs Jesus most.
Memory Verse for Luke 5
Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
(WEB)
This verse summarizes the mission Jesus describes in the chapter, which is to call sinners to repentance. Encourage members to say it aloud together at the close of the session and to recall it through the week.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you meet us in our ordinary work, as you met Simon by the lake. Teach us to trust your word when we are tired and our own efforts seem empty. Thank you that you touch those whom others turn away from, and that you forgive what we cannot undo. Give us friends who will carry us to you, and open our tables to people who need your welcome. Shape us, as you did with new wine in fresh skins, into people ready to receive what you are doing now. Amen.
