The Call of the First Disciples

Mark 1:16–20

Jesus walks along the shoreline as fishermen cast their nets.
Following Christ is an everyday activity, not a twice-a-week affair.
Jesus calls everyday people—not the Levites or priests.
In Israel, priests were chosen by birth and cared for the people’s spiritual welfare.
Jesus calls all of us to be disciples: there are no clerics; all are priests.
The call is definite: “Come, follow me.”
John 1:35–42 indicates this was not their first contact with Jesus.
We are called to be fishers of men, interweaving that calling into our lives.
Those called: Simon Peter and Andrew; James and John, sons of Zebedee.

Jesus in the Synagogue at Capernaum

Mark 1:21–28

Jesus had been rejected in the synagogue at Nazareth.
Verse 22: Mark frequently reports the amazement produced by Jesus’ teaching and actions.
He taught as one with authority, not as the scribes.
His authority points to His identity as the Messiah prophesied in Isaiah.
Verse 24: The demon recognizes Jesus and His authority.
Verse 25: Jesus commands the spirit to come out and be quiet; it obeys without an elaborate ritual.
Verse 27: The people are amazed at His teaching and authority over demons.
Verse 28: Word about Him spreads throughout Galilee.

Mark 1:29–34

Verse 29: Jesus probably went for a Sabbath meal, much as we go home for Sunday dinner; this is conjecture.
Verse 30: Simon’s mother-in-law shows that Simon was married; 1 Corinthians 9 mentions his wife.
Verse 31: The healing is simple, quick, and complete. She begins to wait on them, showing devotion.
Application: having been healed, let us return the favor through service.
Verse 32: People come from all over town after hearing that Jesus can heal.
Verse 33: The whole town gathers.
Verse 34: Jesus heals many who are sick and drives out demons.
What gains Him more notoriety: healing and casting out demons, or teaching?

Mark 1:35–38

Verse 35: Jesus takes time for devotion and one-on-one time with God.
Application: go to a lonely place to recharge and prepare for the day.
Spend time with God in prayer and devotion; if Jesus needed it, how much more do we?
Verse 38: Jesus knows He must move on.
His work in Capernaum has been done, and the people are spreading the word about Him.
He has other towns to reach and moves throughout Galilee.

Matthew 4:23–25 | Luke 6:19

Matthew 4:23: Jesus teaches in synagogues, preaches the gospel of the kingdom, and heals every disease and infirmity.
His three-fold ministry: preaching, teaching, and healing.
These naturally belong together: caring for both physical and spiritual needs.
Luke 6:19: The crowd seeks to touch Him because power comes from Him and heals them all.

Luke 5:1–11

Verse 2: The fishermen are cleaning up after a night without a catch.
Verse 3: Jesus teaches from a boat on the water, where sound carries and the people can see Him.
Verse 4: When He finishes teaching, Jesus tells them to go fishing.
Verse 5: Peter is tired and disappointed, yet credits Jesus’ authority and obeys.
Verse 6: They catch so many fish that their nets begin to break—this is a miracle, not merely timing.
Verse 7: They call for help, and the boats begin to sink under the load.
Verses 8–9: Peter feels unworthy and is astonished at the enormous catch.
Verse 10: James and John are also amazed. Jesus says they will be catchers of men.
They leave everything and follow Him, though this was not their first encounter.