Mark 1:16-20
Read Mark 1:16-20 noting the immediacy of the disciple’s responses.
The ultimate goal for a first century Jewish boy was to identify a rabbi and request that the rabbi take him on as a disciple. A disciple was more than a student of the rabbi, the expectation was that the disciple would become like the rabbi - learning by actual experience of the rabbi as they did life together for a number of years. Though many desired this experience, few were chosen.
Simon, Andrew, James and John, have obviously given up on their goal of finding a rabbi to follow. They are most likely past the age of a potential disciple and are already engaged in an alternate profession. But evidently their dreams of being disciples are still alive.
When Jesus calls them, they immediately leave their professions (and in James and John’s case even their father) to follow and become like this unusual rabbi from Nazareth.
Take a moment to let the reality of this sudden change in direction sink in. Try to imagine the internal motivations that might prompt this dramatic response. Share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Mark 1:16-20 again as you imagine Jesus calling your name and inviting you to follow him.
As you sit with the image of Jesus’ inviting you to follow, contemplate these questions:
What are you looking for? Dig deep. Don’t just go with the first thing that comes to mind. What is at the root of your desire?
What would you have to either leave behind or adjust so you would have time to experience Jesus on a daily basis?
If you knew that purposefully following Jesus would lead to the fulfillment of your deepest, truest desire, how willing would you be to leave behind the things that keep you from him?
Spend a few minutes talking all these things over with Jesus, and then get quiet and listen to him.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
