Digging Deeper: The Catch

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on April 3, 2025

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)


THE CATCH

In July of 1992, the Atlanta Braves hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates for a mid-summer matchup that ended up previewing that year’s National League Championship Series. In the ninth inning, with the Braves clinging to a 1-0 lead, Alejandro Peña faced Andy Van Slyke with a runner on first and the game on the line.

Then, Van Slyke connected. He sent a deep drive to center field, sending Braves center fielder Otis Nixon racing back to the wall. As he neared it, he slowed his pace, then leaped forward. His left foot hit the wall, and he catapulted himself upward, sticking his glove over the fence and snatching the ball back from the abyss. He landed and fired it back in—to the amazement of everyone watching.

“He caught the ball! He caught the ball! I can’t believe it!” exclaimed Braves announcer Skip Caray. The Braves held on to win the game 1-0, thanks in no small part to Nixon’s miraculous catch.

This week, we discussed a miraculous catch of a different kind—the overwhelming haul of fish that Jesus brought to the fishermen-turned-disciples Simon Peter, James, and John.

Simon Peter had previously met Jesus when he came to his home and healed his mother-in-law of a high fever (Luke 4:38-41). So when Jesus asked to use his boat to continue teaching, it made sense that Peter willingly let him do so.

Up to this point, Peter seemed to view Jesus as a respected teacher, but he had not yet fully grasped that he was the Messiah. At the end of his teaching, Jesus commanded them to take the boat out into deeper water. In spite of their doubts, they obeyed—and were met with an overwhelming catch. They had to call for help to bring in all the fish before the boat began to sink (Luke 5:7).

Despite witnessing the healing of his mother-in-law, it wasn’t until this miraculous catch that Simon Peter fully realized who Jesus was. Overcome, he fell to his knees and begged Jesus to leave him, confessing that he was a sinful man (Luke 5:8). In that moment, the weight of Jesus’ true identity was felt by all on board. From that point on, Simon Peter, John, and James left everything behind and followed him (Luke 5:11).

Jesus used the catch to get their attention—a shocking display that made it clear he was more than just a teacher. He used a physical sign to emphasize his message. And once he had their attention, he simply said, “Follow me.” The disciples’ response was immediate and obedient—they left everything behind to follow him.

So be grateful on the days when your net is overflowing with fish, but always recognize the one who fills the nets. The disciples didn’t stay on the boat and ask Jesus to help them catch more fish to grow their fishing business—they followed him to a calling of far greater importance.

Pray that your heart stays focused on the right kind of fishing each day.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Obey

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on April 2, 2025

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)


OBEY

The San Diego Padres had a great team in 1984. Their roster featured Steve Garvey and future Hall of Famers like Tony Gwynn and Rich “Goose” Gossage. However, they were up against one of the best teams of the era—the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers started that season by winning 35 of their first 40 games, finishing with a dominant 104-58 record. The two teams met in the World Series, and the Tigers were as formidable as advertised, winning three of the first four games.

With the Padres facing elimination in Game 5, Gossage found himself in a jam late in the game as Kirk Gibson stepped up to the plate for Detroit.

Padres manager Dick Williams immediately called for an intentional walk, but Gossage flatly refused. As he later recounted, he had experienced a lot of success against Gibson. Williams paid a mound visit and listened to his pitcher’s case before finally saying, “Alright, strike him out then.”

Gibson, fully aware that Gossage had chosen to pitch to him rather than issue the walk, stepped up to the plate—and deposited the next pitch into the upper deck in right field for a three-run homer. The blast put the game and the series out of reach, sealing the Tigers’ championship that night.

It turns out the manager had the right idea all along. The player thought he knew best, but the result said otherwise. Reflecting back with a smile, Gossage simply admits, “I guess I should have walked him.”

It is in our human nature to be disobedient. Most of the time, it’s because we think we know better than whatever instruction we’re given—including God’s instruction.

In the passage we are studying this week, Peter obeys a command from Jesus even though he doubts the outcome. When Jesus says in Luke 5:4, “Go out deeper and let your nets down to catch some fish,” Peter replies, “Master, we worked hard all night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”

That reluctant obedience is reminiscent of many parental moments I have with my kids. There may be eye-rolling or heavy sighs before they ultimately do what my wife or I have asked. That reluctance is a manifestation of pride—and it’s neither good nor holy. It’s something we all struggle with.

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, obedience isn’t simply a suggestion—it’s a command. Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27) and “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15).

Our obedience to him is one of the ways we set ourselves apart from the world. It is a sign of our love for Christ and our trust in him as our Shepherd. And that obedience, rooted in love, will always lead us to the most spiritually fruitful path—just as it did for the disciples in the boat that day.

So with willing hearts, obey.

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Location, Location, Location

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on April 1, 2025

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)


LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION


My family moved to Atlanta from my home state of Virginia when I was just seven years old. Shortly after moving here, my dad made sure to take me, along with my brothers, to Fulton County Stadium for the first live sports event of my life.

I remember it well—the Braves lost to the Mets 5-2, despite leadoff back-to-back homers from Roberto Kelly and Jeff Blauser. More significantly, the first game I ever saw live was started by Greg Maddux—one of the best players of… well, ever.

Maddux may not have gotten the win that night (he threw a complete game, but unearned runs cost him), but he did earn 355 career wins and a Hall of Fame nod in 2014. Maddux didn’t throw the ball as hard as others, but he could make it move and locate his pitches with incredible precision.

Former major leaguer Orel Hershiser once remarked that Maddux could “throw it into a teacup if he wanted to.” Maddux himself routinely emphasizes the importance of location, urging younger pitchers to focus on where the ball is going, not just how hard they can throw it. Location matters.

We learned in studying Luke that location also mattered for the disciples. Jesus stepped onto the boat and taught the crowd before turning to Simon Peter and telling him to go deeper and try again. The fishermen reluctantly took the boat into deeper water as he instructed—and were rewarded with a catch so large they needed help hauling all the fish onto the boat (Luke 5:4-7).

Pastor and author John Piper, speaking on this text, said of verses 6 and 7: “The point is: this is an utterly unprecedented catch of fish in a location that seemed hopelessly unproductive the night before. And it was caught at the powerful and authoritative word of Jesus.”

This miraculous catch was designed to shock the future disciples and display his awesome power, leaving Peter on his knees in wonder. The location of the boat mattered—not because the fish had magically become more available that day, but because Jesus was delivering in a way that only he can, commanding the outcome.

We must be willing to answer the same call as the disciples did that day. They had doubts about the outcome, but they were rewarded for taking their boat to the right location. Our willingness to go where we are called must be absolute.

It has long been a hallmark of our church to have our “yes on the table” when Jesus calls us to move and act. We must have our hearts ready to move the boat wherever he tells us to go—despite our doubts. If we live this way, he will deliver in ways that only he can!

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Getting the Call

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on March 31, 2025

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)


GETTING THE CALL

 

Well, spring has sprung, and along with exorbitant amounts of pollen, the season also means baseball is back, baby!

In his essay titled A Perfect Game, author David Bentley Hart argues that baseball might be America’s greatest contribution to the history of civilization. Well, I agree. So let’s celebrate baseball with this week’s lessons.

For a Major League player, a defining moment in their career is often the moment they get called up to the big leagues for the first time.

That call can come at different times for different players—whether through a traditional climb through the minor league levels after scouts and the general manager determine that the player is ready or through a rapid ascension to the top for those with the most potential, even if development is still needed. Their readiness for all the challenges of the Major Leagues might be debated, but sometimes you take chances when the talent is there.

This week, we discussed Jesus “calling up” the first disciples in Luke. Jesus demonstrated his authority, leaving Simon Peter begging at his feet to leave, as he was such a sinful man (Luke 5:8). In spite of his imperfections, Jesus determined he was ready—he knew the talent was there.

In our lives, we may hear the Lord’s call and feel ready for our opportunity to be called up, only to be derailed or delayed by adversity.

In 1941, a teenage pitcher named Lou Brissie was pitching in an amateur league and was so successful that he drew the attention of future Hall of Famer Connie Mack, who offered him a contract to join the Philadelphia Athletics organization. However, his father insisted he finish school first.

Shortly thereafter, World War II began, and in 1942, Brissie enlisted in the Army. He aimed to serve his country with honor but still hoped to pursue baseball afterward. In 1944, he found himself in Italy with the 88th Infantry Division, where he came under artillery barrage. A shell exploded, shattering his left tibia and shinbone into 30 pieces.

Doctors told him they would need to amputate his leg, but he implored them to do whatever possible to save it, even if it cost him his life, because he was a baseball player. Dozens of surgeries and blood transfusions later, Brissie still had his leg—and a sliver of hope for his baseball future.

Upon hearing of Brissie’s heroic determination, Mack promised him an opportunity to pitch and simply urged him to get well. Brissie said Mack’s words were a tremendous motivator. Roughly a year later, Brissie pitched on crutches in a workout for Mack, who still believed in the talent he had once seen in a teen playing in an amateur league.

After years of rehabilitation and pain, in 1948, Lou Brissie got his turn to be called up. He went on to win 14 games for the Athletics that season and pitched seven seasons in the big leagues, later admitting that he was in pain with every pitch.

Despite everything he had been through, he still had someone who saw something in him and gave him an opportunity.

Jesus saw Peter, who admitted his own imperfections and stood in awe of all that Jesus was. Yet, Jesus not only brought him along but eventually called him to be the flag bearer for the faith.

Don’t be intimidated by your failures—for we are all unworthy of Christ. We have each been called to serve His Kingdom and share our faith in this world. We have something in common with Peter and Lou Brissie: We have someone who has given us an opportunity.

What are we going to do with it?

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper – Along the Way

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on March 28, 2025

 

And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. 

Luke 17:14 (NLT)


ALONG THE WAY

Lord willing, this May, I will celebrate ten years of sobriety. The beginning was tough. I was in outpatient rehab for 18 months while also participating in support groups and submitting to weekly drug tests. There was work to be done, habits to be undone, and accountability to be established. It was a process—often tedious—but something happened along the way. My heart started to follow my body into those rooms as I continued to comply with the process. A miracle was rendered in me—I was made well.

Was it instantaneous? No. Does that make it any less miraculous? Again, no. I guess you could call it a slow miracle.

In Luke 17, we see another slow miracle (albeit much faster than mine!). Jesus tells the ten lepers to go and present themselves to the priests, at which point they will presumably be cleansed. Note that He does not heal them and then tell them to go. On the contrary, they depart in faith, hoping that by the time they reach the priests, they will be cleansed. They have “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Verse 14 tells us, “As they went, they were cleansed.”

We don’t know how long it took; any guess would be purely speculative. But we do know that it happened along the way.

What is Jesus doing in you along the way? Has He asked you to go out in obedience, giving you everything needed for faith—except the results themselves? Are you in the middle of a slow miracle?

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – Truth is Subjective?

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on March 27, 2025

 

11 As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12 As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)


TRUTH IS SUBJECTIVE?

The Christian philosopher and father of existential thought, Søren Kierkegaard, said something fascinating that, at face value, seems false. In his book Concluding Unscientific Postscript, he makes the statement, “Christianity is subjective.” Now, typically, a statement like this would raise all sorts of red flags. After all, we know that truth is absolute, and we believe Christianity to be objectively true. But the tongue-in-cheek philosopher has often been misunderstood.

What he is not saying is that there is no objective truth or that Christianity might not be true. Quite the contrary! What he means is that the truth of Christianity is worked out in the particularity of the subject. Thus, following Christ is not a matter of impersonal maxims or rote memorization—it is personal devotion worked out in one’s own experience. This is the subjectivity he speaks of.

By now, you’re probably thinking, “You’ve lost me, Ryan.” Hang in there. I noticed something this week in my reading of Luke 17 about the manner in which Jesus heals the lepers. In Luke 5, He heals one leper immediately by touching him. In Luke 17, He heals ten men gradually, without even making contact! As I read these contrasting accounts, a thought struck me: Why doesn’t Jesus heal the same maladies in the same manner?

But the answer goes back to Kierkegaard’s observation. It is because Jesus is deeply personal. He works faith through the relative experiences of our lives. This is the subjective truth of Christian practice. It is why physical touch works for one man while a spoken word works for others. It is also why, out of ten men healed in the same manner, only one returns in gratitude.

Jesus wants a personal relationship with you. Even in the way He performs miracles, He demonstrates this. Ask Him today to work in the experiences of your own life, that you may know Him and be known by Him.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Finding Your Way When You Feel Lost

Kevin Burrell on March 26, 2025

 

Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord.”

Numbers 22:28, 31

 

FINDING YOUR WAY WHEN YOU FEEL LOST

 

Life has a way of making us feel lost at times. We set out on a path that seems right, only to encounter obstacles, setbacks, uncertainty, and confusion. It’s in these moments that we, like the prophet Balaam, must open our eyes to what God is doing—even when we don’t understand His ways.

This story can be hard to wrap our heads around. However, below are three important principles for us to remember in this miraculous account.

1. I Don’t Know Why God Does What He Does!

Balaam set out on his journey with what he believed to be a clear mission. Have you ever been there? Yet, God placed an angel in his path—an obstacle he could not see, but his donkey could. The donkey’s refusal to move forward frustrated Balaam to the point of beating the animal. What Balaam did not realize was that God was working behind the scenes, protecting him from harm.

Often, we question God when things don’t go according to our plans. Why does He allow roadblocks? Why does He redirect our steps? The truth is, we don’t always understand why God does what He does. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and sometimes what seems like a setback is actually God’s way of guiding us toward something better and greater.

2. I Don’t Know Why God Uses Whom He Uses!

God chose an unexpected messenger—a donkey—to speak to Balaam. This animal, considered lowly and insignificant, became the instrument through which God revealed His divine will. Balaam may have been the prophet, but in that moment, the donkey was the one with the message from God.

God often works through unexpected people and circumstances. He uses the weak to confound the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27), and He calls unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. When we feel lost, we must remember that God may be speaking to us through people or situations we would never have considered. Our role is to remain open to His voice, even when it comes from unexpected places—even a donkey.

3. I Do Know That God Is Sovereign, and He Is Love!

Despite Balaam’s initial resistance, God’s sovereignty prevailed. He redirected Balaam’s path and ultimately used him to bless Israel rather than curse them.

Even in our confusion and uncertainty, we can trust that God is in complete control and that He acts out of love. When we feel lost, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees the full picture. His plans are always for our good (Jeremiah 29:11), even when we don’t understand them. His love never fails, and His guidance is always available to those who seek Him with all their hearts.

Listen Closely:

If you are feeling lost today, take heart. God is working in ways you cannot see. He uses whomever He wants to accomplish whatever He wants. Trust that He has a purpose for every detour, that He can use anyone (even a donkey) to speak His truth, and that His sovereignty and love will never fail you.

Yes, Jesus loves you! Keep seeking Him, and in His perfect time, He will reveal the way forward for your life. God is rarely early, never late, but always right on time.

Remember: God is writing your story—don’t steal His pen.

Be Worth Being.

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper – The Master

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on March 26, 2025

 

and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master…

Luke 17:13 (ESV)


THE MASTER

The title Master (Greek epistates) is unique to the phraseology of Luke. He is the only New Testament writer to use this specific Greek word and frequently substitutes it where others use Rabbi—possibly an indication that he was writing for a Gentile audience. The word was used in the Greco-Roman world to denote someone who is “set over” others, such as a supervisor, owner, or magistrate.

Of interest is the fact that in every New Testament occurrence—except for one—it is always the disciples who address Jesus with this title:

  • Luke 5:5 – But Simon responded, saying, “Master…”
  • Luke 8:24 – They went to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master…”
  • Luke 8:45 – Peter said, “Master, the crowds are pressing in…”
  • Luke 9:33 – Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here.”
  • Luke 9:49 – Answering, John said, “Master…”

In the story of the ten lepers, we see the title used again:

“And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us’” (Luke 17:12-13).

These lepers, unlike the privileged twelve, are not speaking from a teacher-disciple relationship. Nevertheless, they bestow upon Jesus the title Master. In doing so, they acknowledge His authority—authority great enough that they implore Him to heal them, believing even disease to be subordinate to His command. As a result, they are healed.

We also serve the Master. Remember today that He is “set over” all things in your life—work, health, friends, family, finances, trials, blessings, and everything in between—and thank Him for His mastery.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – The Lame Walk, The Lepers are Cleansed

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on March 25, 2025

 

When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Luke 17:14 (ESV)


THE LAME WALK AND THE LEPERS ARE CLEANSED

Leprosy has a well-documented history in the writings of the ancients. Of course, the Old Testament offers a thorough discourse on the purification laws of the Israelites (see Leviticus 13 and 14), but many other sources also record descriptions of the severity of the disease. The historian Josephus, recalling the history of the Jews, states, “And for the lepers, [Moses] suffered them not to come into the city at all, nor to live with any others, as if they were in effect dead persons.” The church father Gregory of Nyssa refers to those infected as a “terrible… spectacle of men who are living corpses.” The celebrated Greek physician Aretaeus describes how leprous family members would be exiled to the desert or mountains in the hope that they would soon perish. Therefore, leprosy was essentially a death sentence.

Jesus, however, is able to break the sentence of death and alienation—both in a physical and spiritual sense. It is, in fact, for this very reason that He came. He alone performed miracles that none but the Son of God could do, proving His Lordship, as is the case with the ten lepers He healed in Luke 17. When John the Baptist was imprisoned, he inquired of Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus’ reply to this question has always struck me. He chooses not to answer in a straightforward manner but rather to appeal to the effects of His work—which is, perhaps, a more enduring affirmation to counter persistent doubt. He says, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news preached to them” (Mt. 11:4-5).

This week, as you reflect on the story of the ten lepers, know that Jesus is “the one who is to come” and has demonstrated this by His miraculous power—both then and now.

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.

Digging Deeper – Crying Out

Avatar photo Ryan Hoffer on March 24, 2025

 

As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Luke 17:12-13 (NLT)


CRYING OUT

En route to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters ten lepers on the passage “between Samaria and Galilee” (v. 11). They maintain their distance—as required by Mosaic law—and entreat the Savior to have pity on them. The law literally required diseased persons outside the camp to cry out, “Unclean, unclean,” as a warning to those approaching, lest they come into contact and become defiled. The text says that they “lifted up their voices,” or, as the NLT puts it, “they cried out.” The verb is not to be overlooked, for after they are cleansed, the grateful leper returns to Jesus and again cries out, this time “praising God with a loud voice” (Lk 17:15). Thus, there is a parallel structure to the story—crying out in the beginning and crying out in the end—albeit from very different affections.

But isn’t that always the case? When we cry out, our Lord hears and has compassion on us. This idea is presented repeatedly throughout Scripture, most notably (and personally) in the Psalms. Psalm 30 says:

O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you restored my health… (v. 2, NLT);

…that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! (v. 12, NLT)

God has the power to transform our deepest sorrows into profound joy—if only we would cry out to Him. But let there be a corresponding cry as well, an expression of praise. Whichever side of the crying out you’re on, know this: You can take comfort in the fact that He hears you, or you can take joy in the fact that He heard you.

 

Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.