Mark 1:16-20 CSB
[16] As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea  — for they were fishermen. [17] “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” [18] Immediately they left their nets and followed him. [19] Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. [20] Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

What do you see predominantly when you read these verses?

Well I see a few things right off.  The first requires I remember what Jesus is doing.  He has just been tempted and now has returned to Galilee and was proclaiming the Good News.  Why is this important?  Well Let’s look at how that proclamation sounds.

Mark 1:15 CSB
[15] “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

For Simon and Andrew and a bit further down the way James and John the message is more.  Now you’re probably asking.  What do you mean more?  Great question.  I’m glad you asked.

First I need to recognize that Simon, Andrew, James and John already know who Jesus is and that they have heard the original message.  This is where digging deeper into the Word is necessary.

John 1:35-42 CSB
[35] The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. [36] When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” [37] The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. [38] When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” [39]  “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. [40] Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. [41] He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), [42] and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).

This is not their first encounter with Jesus.  They’ve already heard and met Jesus and they know who He is.

Messiah!

This makes the message more.  This makes their response a little more understandable.  Their response?  Hmm…

IMMEDIATELY they left and followed.  There was no delay, there was no question about what to do, there was simply action.  Jesus called and they answered. 

How do we follow Jesus today?

We have the same information.  As a matter of fact.  Because I know that the Word of God is Holy inspired making it wholly inerrant. I have the exact same information.  We have the exact same information.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 CSB
[16] All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, [17] so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Unfortunately I also know that my response was not the same.  I did not follow immediately.  Have no doubt.  That has changed.  When I hear now I follow.  I’ve not gotten to the point of consideration of consequences after the fact but I’m a work in progress.

Luke 9:57-62 CSB
[57] As they were traveling on the road someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” [58] Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” [59] Then he said to another, “Follow me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.” [60] But he told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” [61] Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.” [62] But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

I hope at some point soon I can get my brain to stop interfering with my heart by asking these kinds of questions.  Work in progress.

Now the second thing I see.  In following they drop their livelihood to LIVE.  This is called…

FAITH!

I’m sure we’re going to camp out in these verses for a while.  Remember we’re still in chapter 1.  My hope is that Mark now means more to you and that you’ll dig and share the Word too.

Love in Christ,

Colby