Mark 1:16-20

 Mark 1:16-20 NKJV

16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.


19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

It’s obvious that Mark did not sit under an IEW tutor to gain writing skills. 😊 He doesn’t add dress-ups or -ly words. He just gives the basic facts, ma’am.

Luke, however, provides more context (Luke 5:1-11) and I’m glad he does. It would seem strange for grown men to follow another man only because He walked up to them and said, “Follow me.”

Luke tells us a large group of people has come to hear Jesus preach as He stands near the Lake of Gennesaret. He needs a way to make more room for Himself and to project His voice to the crowd. He sees a couple of boats by the lake that is not being used, steps into Simon’s, and asks him to push out just enough so he can be seen and heard. Once a bit offshore, Jesus begins sharing the word of God.

After He ends His preaching, he turns to Simon and says, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon is puzzled by this request. He and other fishermen had been out all night before trying desperately to catch fish. They had nothing to show for their tiring efforts.

All eyes must have been on him at that moment: the crowd on the banks, his business partners. Reluctantly, he agreed. And when he does, he gets the best catch of his fishing career! There are so many fish in his net that the net begins to break and tear. Excited, overjoyed, and shocked, Simon calls for his fisherman friends to come with their boat to help draw in the overloaded net into both boats!”

Everyone was shocked! Everyone but Jesus, of course.

After this, Jesus calls out His first four men as His disciples. All fishermen: Simon and his brother Andrew, and James and his brother John (sons of Zebedee).

What I have learned from this passage…

 As with John, Simon doesn’t understand what’s about to come to pass and so he starts a discussion with Jesus about why He is asking him to do something odd. It seems to be a trait that has happened all through history and will continue in the future. I have done the same.

 Instead of just following through with God’s instructions I want to question His judgment and maybe even try to change His mind.

 After obedience comes reward!

 Each time I am obedient, God adds more to my responsibility and increases my position in His Kingdom.

Dear God, Thank you for trusting me with Kingdom assignments and for loving me when I am reluctant to follow your lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.