Mark 1:16-20
16 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. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. NIV 84
Discussion Points and Questions
1. The 2008 USA Men's Olympic Basketball team, also known as the "Redeem Team", got to experience the thrill of winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, China.
- What are some fond memories/experiences you have of being on a team?
2. "Pupils chose rabbis; rabbis did not choose pupils." - Timothy Keller
Simon, Andrew, James, and John did not take a "blind leap of faith" in following Jesus.
(John 1:35-42) They made an intentional choice.
- Why is this difference an important aspect in this story? Why is this difference an important aspect in our relationship with Jesus?
3. The word "follow" shows up three different times in Mark 1:16-20. Each of these instances reveals a different aspect of what it means to follow Jesus.
- Verse 17 "Follow me" = to follow Jesus is to pursue Jesus.
- Verse 18 "followed him" = to follow Jesus is to join Jesus.
- Verse 20 "followed him" = to follow Jesus is to be like Jesus.
- As you think about these different aspects of following Jesus, which one speaks the most to you? Why?
4. In Jeremiah 16, Ezekiel 12, Amos 4, and Habakkuk 1 we see the imagery of fishing being used to describe the divine judgment of God. With this in mind, the phrase "fishers of men" is more than just a clever play on words. It's in this phrase that Jesus connects His message (verses 14-15) to His promise (verse 17).
- When you think about your current season of life, responsibilities/titles, those you are around, etc. where and how is Jesus wanting to use you as a "fisher of men"?
