Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Friday, January 19, 2024

Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)

Read Mark 1:14-20 on biblegateway.com

Verse 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, Verse 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." Verse 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. Verse 17And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." Verse 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. Verse 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Verse 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Devotion

A powerful reality of Jesus calling his first disciples is that they follow without knowing a whole lot more than his invitation to “repent, and believe in the good news.” Yet here we see four men for whom the encounter with this man Jesus is enough to move them to leave everything and follow him. In their following they will come to know who Jesus is. He will teach in parables, he will feed the hungry, he will work healing, and set people free from bondage. He will contend with his adversaries and he will continue to proclaim the inbreaking of the kingdom, inviting all to repent. In their faltering discipleship they will follow Jesus to the cross, and while the Gospel of Mark ends with the resurrection itself being a secret, their response to Christ’s call will witness to the power of God’s resurrection love for all.

Prayer

O God, may your resurrection hope animate our love for your world. Amen.

Phil Wold ’87 M.Div. Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming