Notes on Luke 5:12-21

Luke 5:12

leprosy. The word leprosy was kind of a catchall term for various kinds of skin diseases, including the actual condition of leprosy. Some conditions would clear up and be examined by the priest (Lev. 13–14). However leprosy itself had no cure. The disease creates open sores and lesions on the skin which often open up and cause great pain. As it progresses, the disease brings about permanent nerve damage, which often leads to physical disfigurement and the loss of any sensation in limbs. This led to unknown injuries which could become infected. It was often referred to as a condition of living death. Leprosy was an especially powerful sign of humanity's spiritual disease called sin (Isa. 1:4-6). fell on his face. A sign of humility and reverence (17:16). He was desperate for Jesus's help. willing. The man understood Jesus's power and ability to make his clean. He didn't know if he was willing to heal.

Luke 5:13

touched him. Leprosy had social implications in addition to the physical difficulties (see note on v. 12). The man would have been living alone, outside the town, and considered unclean (Lev. 13:45-46). He was expected to keep his distance from others and yell a warning if anyone came close. If someone touched a leper, he would be made unclean as well. leprosy left him. Instead of becoming unclean when Jesus touched the leper, Jesus made the leper clean. Such is his power that the healing was immediate.

Luke 5:14

Moses commanded. Leviticus 14 says that the priest was to examine the man to see if he has been healed. If he had, then the priest declared him to be ceremonially clean, ceremonially washed him, and welcomed him back into the community. testimony. More than obeying the law, Jesus wanted something about himself known. He could do what no priest could do. A normal priest in Israel would have been unable to heal the leper or even touch him for fear of being made unclean. Jesus could actually bring healing.

Luke 5:16

Jesus recognized his need of communion with the Father (see note on 3:21).

Luke 5:17

Pharisees. A sect of Jewish laymen who were zealous for keeping the Mosaic Law in excessive detail. Their name might derive from a word meaning divide or separate, pointing to their desire to keep themselves from those not serious about God's Law. teachers of the law. Also called scribes (5:21). They taught, interpreted, and applied the law of Moses to life in Israel. Together with the Pharisees the teachers had come to see Jesus's ministry.

Luke 5:18

These men came in faith (v. 20), believing what Luke made clear—the Lord's power was with Jesus to heal (v. 17).

Luke 5:19

housetop. In that day, the roofs of houses were often accessible by an open stairway on the outside of the structure. The roof was made up of three layers. The bottom layer of wood beams, a layer of mud and foliage, topped with several inches of clay. tiles. Though some homes at the time used tiles, Luke probably describes the pieces of clay in terms of their function.

Luke 5:20

faith. This was seen both in the sinful man as well as his friends (see 7:9, 50; 8:25, 40, 50; 17:5, 6, 19; 18:42). sins are forgiven. This is the true healing that Jesus gives, and the healing that all other physical healings point to (see 4:18-19; Isa. 58:6).

Luke 5:21

blasphemies. Direct sacrilegious action or speech against God. It was a serious charge, which was punishable by death (Lev. 24:10-16, 23). Ironically, this charge would send Jesus to the cross, though his accusers were the real blasphemers (Luke 22:63-71). forgive. Forgiveness was not something even a priest could grant. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest, speaking on God's behalf, announced forgiveness (Lev. 4:22–5:16; 16:15-16). However, Jesus had spoken on his own behalf by his own authority. God alone. The leaders were right that only God can forgive sin (Exod. 34:6-7; Ps. 103:3; Isa. 43:25; Mic. 7:18). But they did know Jesus was God's Son (1:32, 35; 3:22).

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