Mark 1:16-20 reflection
January 18, 2024
When Jesus called his first disciples they responded gladly. To this end may we follow the call of the LORD wherever He leads us. To which we pray:
Collect for Collect for Epiphany 3— Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
We are asked to follow as the Savior has directed. Some decisions we make can become life altering. Where do we go for direction in life? We seek the Lord. As He has promised to guide us, we too must follow. It would do us little good if we decided to head in the opposite direction from whence, we should go. The calling of the first disciples speaks of the Lord guiding His own. You too follow as He guides and leads…
Jesus called His disciples. Drawing to Himself followers who would help Him in His work and continue to spread His good news. These men didn’t know what would happen by following Jesus. But they were willing to leave their jobs and lives they knew, to serve this teacher. In doing so, they gained new life in Him.
The disciples were not special because of training or talent. But because they committed to follow the Lord.
When we follow Jesus, we can trust that He will provide for us and love us every day of our lives.
Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and his brother John already had jobs. They were fishermen. But Jesus gave them new jobs. They would be his followers, which we call disciples.
Jesus told them to follow him and become fishers for people, instead of fishers for fish. Do you think Jesus meant they were going to catch people with fishing nets? I suppose not. Instead, these disciples would tell people about how God loves them. By sharing this good news, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and all the other disciples would help other people follow Jesus.
We hear that Jesus sees Peter, Andrew, James, and John fishing.
They were fishing because that was their job. That’s what they did to help their family.
Jesus was walking along the seashore. He saw two fishermen, Peter, and Andrew, who were throwing their fishing nets out into the sea. Jesus called out to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." The Bible tells us that they laid down their nets and followed Jesus.
Jesus went a little farther. He saw two more men, James, and John. Sitting in their boat mending their nets. Jesus called out to them. And the Bible tells us that they left their boat and followed Jesus. (vs. 19-20)
Jesus is still calling people to follow him today. He has called you and me to follow him.
Jesus invites us with the words, “Follow me.” No doubt these brothers had heard Jesus before. Perhaps they had spent time with him over the past months asking questions about his teachings.
He invites them to travel with him. To eat with him. To live with him.
The story says that Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately laid down their nets and followed Jesus.
Mark’s is the gospel of action. He uses this adverb “Immediately” 47 times in his account. It can also be translated “at once” and “just then.” Whatever translation you read; Mark is in a big hurry. Immediately. At once. Just then – they followed.
They didn’t even have to think about it. They just did it.
Following Jesus is a job you can do right now. Because Jesus also wants all people to follow him. Jesus wants you to fish for people by telling others about the love God has for them. This is the best job of all. And you can keep this job your whole life.
As we learn from Jesus (from the Bible stories) - we can better receive God’s light. Love, and healing. Then we are also learning how to better share God’s light. Love. And healing.
And, when we share God’s light, love, and healing then we are helping others see and know God’s love – just like Jesus has taught.
Jesus says to fish for people. Jesus says to tell your neighbor, “Jesus loves you.” Jesus didn’t say, “Stop,” and we should never stop telling others about his love!
Lessons learned on the lake.
1) Reaching people is like fishing (sort of). To be successful in either one, you must have the following: courage, the ability to work together with others, patience, energy, stamina, faith, and tenacity. “Professional fishermen simply could not afford to be quitters or complainers!
2) Discipleship begins with God. Jesus did not set up a registration table and ask for willing volunteers to sign up and pack their bags. He called them into service.
3) God takes us as we are. The disciples were not in church when Jesus approached them—they were at work. Do you remember what Amos, the eighth-century prophet, said about himself? “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. But the LORD took me from following the flock and the LORD said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel’” (Amos 7:14-15).
May the LORD use you to be instruments of His peace. Right where you are.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for offering me the job of being your disciple. Help me to follow you all my life. Show me ways to tell others about how much God loves us. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment