John's message of Baptism and Repentance as necessary preparations for the forgiveness of Sin. His Prophet's attire of Camel's Hair and his diet of Locusts identify him as the last OT prophet. (1:6). John models proper humility and reverence due "the One who was to come" in the concluding section (1:7-8)

Jesus' Baptism and commissioning for service are stated next (1:9-11). The two other persons of the Godhead, The Holy Spirit and The Father, confirm their approval of Jesus by the Spirits descent "Like a Dove" and the Father's giving voice to His pleasure in the statement, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Jesus is then to be tested as The Spirit ushers Him into the wilderness to fast and be tempted by Satan himself for forty days and nights. (1:12-13)

After Jesus successfully defeats the Devil's futile efforts at corrupting the only sinless man we are told that John the Baptist is imprisoned. It is at this point where John's ministry ends and Jesus' ministry begins. Returning to Galilee Jesus continues to teach repentance and Baptism for the forgiveness of Sin. The time of the anointed one had come and God's Kingdom had begun. (1:14-15)

We will be turning our attention to the start of Jesus' public ministry starting at verse 16 through verse 20. As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:16-20 (NIV) 1) Describe in your own words what happens in verses 16 through 20. 2) What does Mark say Jesus does in regard to gaining His first students? With the famous line "come follow me", Jesus calls Disciples to Himself. How is Jesus' approach different than the cultural norm. Contrary to the practice of the day, Jesus took the initiative on Himself and called the Disciples to Him. 1) What can we tell about the men Jesus chose to lead? They were fishermen . They were not of the normal ilk usually accepted by a teachers of the law. They were not theologically trained. Jesus called the unworthy - they were Sinners 2) What message can we take from Jesus calling those considered unworthy to be His Disciples? We need not be perfect to come to God. We need to trust Him and let Him work in our lives.

God's Kingdom does not shun sinners but calls them to Himself. To meet with Him and experience His healing through forgiveness. Luke in chapter five adds further detail to the story.

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. (NIV) 5:1-10 1) What does Luke tell us the fishermen were doing? The fishermen were cleaning there nets.

2) What does the act of cleaning their nets indicate about the fishermen? They were putting them away for the day. Their night of fishing was done.

3) What does Luke say the people were doing? Listening to Jesus was preach the Word of God 4) How successful had the nights fishing gone? Peter states they had fished hard all night without catching a single fish. Jesus then instructs Simon Peter to take the boats out and drop the nets for a catch of fish. How ironic that a carpenter's son would tell professional fisherman how to fish! Though he had reason to doubt Simon agreed to the request. 5) How were the fishermen rewarded for their faith and obedience? They caught more fish than their nets could hold.

6) What was Simon's response to this miracle? He recognized his unworthiness in the presence of divinity. He fell down at Jesus' feet and worshipped Him. Simon Peter realized his sinful nature separated him from a holy and righteous God. Peter's sense of humility and awareness of his sin do not prevent him from serving God, they are requirements towards obedience.

1) What does Mark say the fishermen did next? They left everything and followed Jesus.

The fishermen gave up more than is commonly understood. It is routinely taught that the fishermen were poor. This may not have been the case.

The fishing industry on the Sea of Galillee was not only thriving, but international. With as least sixteen fishing port towns along the north west shoreline, the catch found it's way into the markets of Syria and Egypt. Galillean fishermen sold their fish in Mediterranean markets indicating at least a working knowledge of Greek. They were more than likely successful businessmen as the hired hand reference in verse 20 seems to indicate.

The fishermen seeing Jesus' perform a miracle involving nature, a nature they themselves understood reacted quickly.

Mark tells us the fishermen reacted "At once" and "without delay" to the invitation of Jesus. What can the immediate response of these fishermen tell us about our response to God's calling? 2) What promise did Jesus make to the fishermen in verse 17? "Come and I will make you fishers of men" 3) How is the word "come" tied to the phrase "I will make you fishers of men"? 4) Is this relationship between following Jesus and His promise significant to our lives? No longer would these Fishermen catch fish, they would catch men for God's kingdom. They were to be the first Disciples of Jesus. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Disciple as; 1. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. 2. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy. Jesus centers His ministry on His Disciples through His teachings and the use of miracles. Jesus promised them He would make them Fishers of Men. The last thing He said to them before ascending into Heaven holds the fulfillment of this promise, captured by Matthew in Chapter 28 verse 16-20 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

About the Author

Clyde Annach is the operator of the Web Log aha! clyde's been thinking again!