Ministry Began
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 1:14-20
Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
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 send you out to fish for people.” 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.
Reflect
The preparation is complete; now it is to begin the journey. Jesus will come with a clear message, proclaiming the good news that God’s Kingdom was near—both with his words and his actions. During this part of the journey, most people will be astonished at his authority and power, but there was a hint of the opposition to come.
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus and for his invitation to repent and believe in the gospel. Thank you for those who left all they had to follow you. Thank you that we, too, are given this invitation to repent, believe and follow Jesus. Amen.