This summer, during “Our Next Guest Is” series, the Daily Bible Readings will take you on a journey through the book of Mark. We’ll take an in-depth look at the life of Jesus, introducing you to all of the different guests, themes, and spiritual disciplines Jesus interacted with and practiced throughout the book. Our hope and prayer is that you’ll meet Jesus in new and fresh ways as we journey together through the Gospel according to Mark.
Day Two Mark 1:14-20
14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
16 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 18 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
19 A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. 20 He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. – Mark 1:14-20 (NLT)
Discover
1. What was Jesus’ primary job according to verse 14?
2. What does Jesus say is the requirement for entering the Kingdom of God (verse 15)?
3. What do you imagine Jesus sees in these first four men that will make them effective disciples?
Respond
The first words Jesus spoke were an announcement of Good News. The time for God’s long-awaited kingdom had come. This would have been incredible news to Jesus’ listeners! But Jesus said the way to enter this kingdom was to “repent and believe.” And immediately after, Jesus gave this command to His first four disciples: “Come, follow me, and I will show you [how to make more disciples].” The message is simple, but obedience to it isn’t always quite so.
Spend a few minutes now thinking through each command from Jesus in these verses and which one trips you up. Ask God to help you overcome whatever obstacle may be keeping you from repenting, believing, coming to Jesus, following Him, and making more disciples.
For Further Reading: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus
For Families with Kids at Home
What is the “Good News” that Jesus talked about? The Good News is that through Jesus – His death and resurrection – we have access to God, who views us as blameless and perfect because of what Jesus did! All we have to do is believe and accept this free gift from Jesus! Ask God to help you communicate and reinforce the Good News this week to your kids.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.