Global Voices (MPLS)

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 fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for 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.

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Kris Tostengard Michel

We’re back in the Gospel of Mark where a lot of stuff happens quickly, and we’ve circled back to the first chapter. John’s work of preparation has concluded, and Jesus’ work is beginning. He articulates a vision (or preaches a sermon) and then begins to recruit followers whose response is immediate.

The sermon is short, but dense: “The time is fulfilled, and the reign of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

• The Bible talks about time in a couple of ways. The Greek word chronos refers to time that we keep track of with a watch or a calendar. And then there’s kairos time, the right time for something to happen, God’s time. Jesus signals that something new is about to happen, and “the time has come.”
• The reign of God is a way to talk about God’s presence in the world; it’s placed in contrast to Rome, the ruling political power.
• The Greek word for repent (metanoeo) signals a “turning” or “a change of mind.” It involves faith, dependence on, surrendering to God’s ability to change us.
• The good news is the good news of God.

We don’t know if the four fisherman already knew Jesus, but there was something compelling about the invitation to follow him into an uncertain future.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• When you read the words, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people,” do you imagine an authoritative command? A gentle invitation? A prophetic call?
• How might the themes noted above—time, reign of God, change of mind, good news—have been woven into your own call story or the story of someone who inspires you?
• What feels urgent to you now?

Prayer:

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.