Mark 1:14-20
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:14-20 (NRSVUE)
Verse 15 in our passage tells us that Jesus said, “the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” At that time, Galilee was part of the Roman empire. Here Jesus is talking about the kingdom of God. The people are to repent of their sins and believe the good news of this different kingdom.
The notes in our Lutheran Study Bible explain the kingdom of God ”as a way to talk about God’s presence in the world. Throughout the Gospel, there is a sharp contrast between the rule of dominion of God and dominion of Rome, the ruling political power at that time.”
The passage continues and tells us that Jesus called his first disciples, James and John, who dropped what they were doing, left their father, and went with Jesus. What reason could they possibly give to family or employers for “leaving their nets”.
Perhaps those first disciples saw in Jesus a glimpse of a new kingdom, where they would not be persecuted, where they could worship freely. They would learn that Jesus was about more than being a ruler. They would learn that Jesus was about giving, healing, feeding, forgiving, loving – and this would be their mission also.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you have a mission or purpose that you believe in? How do you fulfill that purpose? What helps you when you struggle?
Prayer:
Lord, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life and in the world. Fill me with Your love, guide my steps, and use me to bring light where there is darkness. Amen.
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