Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—May 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

May 11, Mark 1

To a couple of brothers in the fishing business, Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Some important issues related to discipleship are addressed in this invitation to become a disciple.

Usually, a prospective disciple approached a rabbi and asked permission to become his follower. But Jesus invited the prospects he chose to leave what they were doing and become his disciples. He took the initiative in calling those first followers who would literally walk in his footsteps. So from the fishing boats and tax tables and wherever else he encountered them, Jesus selected a group Mark would later identify as “those whom he desired.” These men, upon whose work and lives the expansion of the new kingdom would rest, were hand-picked for God’s purpose.

No other rabbi could have ever said “Follow me” in the same sense Jesus did. They might have schooled their followers in the tradition they had themselves followed, indoctrinating them with the same influences that had shaped their own lives, quoting the revered traditions of the elders. But Jesus was not calling his disciples to a school of thought or a sectarian party. Instead he called them to follow him, personally, as he spoke with authority the very words from God to them.

Jesus invited them to be changed from what they were into something new. They would not transform themselves; Jesus would “make them become” this new thing. Their part in it was submission,

becoming a follower. The invitation to discipleship is a picture of how God’s choice and purpose can work in and through human choice. As they yielded to follow, he would make them what he wanted them to be.

Under Jesus’ tutelage, they would become fishers of men. The process was just beginning when they left their nets to fall in behind their new Master. He would train and instruct them for years. They would listen and watch, learning to be like him by being with him. Jesus met them where they were, relating what they would learn to something they already knew. The relationship was established in a decisive moment, but realized over time. They had much to learn before they were ready for the mission that would shape the rest of their lives.

Do you believe you are called by God for a purpose? Are you following him, aware that your loyalty lies ultimately with him, not some school of interpretation, an ideology or a group? Have you surrendered control and direction to his will? Do you realize and appreciate that discipleship is a process, not an event? Thinking seriously about these matters will help you solidify your commitment, evaluate your progress and encourage you when you are painfully aware of your shortcomings.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.