Private Preparation

A quick read of Mark 1: 16–20 may leave you with the idea that something magical or mystical happened when Jesus called his disciples. We’re told that Simon and Andrew “immediately left their nets and followed [Jesus].” Then we read that Jesus “immediately” called James and John.

The inference seems to be that they saw one another for the first time and immediately—almost hypnotically—were drawn to one another. But it’s obvious that Jesus wouldn’t act on impulse. So what really happened?

A look at other gospel accounts reveals more of the time line. It’s likely they met before. And even if they didn’t, these were not chance encounters. And it seems a stretch to suppose that divine revelation caused all five men to do what they did as if in response to a heavenly puppeteer.

Mark prefaces their call with the story of Jesus’ baptism. He also mentions Jesus’ time in the desert. These happened in preparation for his ministry. And although Peter describes himself elsewhere as “a sinful man”, it’s doubtful that he was as ignorant about God’s kingdom as some later supposed.

And while it’s true that God doesn’t always choose the qualified but qualifies those he chooses, we should learn another truth from this passage. Jesus knew enough to teach the masters of Israel by the time he was age twelve. And it’s likely that these men, called by God to become “fishers of men” had relied on God for some time. After all, their lives and their livelihood depended upon his grace.

We shouldn’t be any different. We are all called to follow Christ and both be and make disciples. But that’s only the beginning. Each of us has a destiny. Specific gifts and a calling to fulfill.

So it would be helpful if we remember this: Private preparation precedes public performance.

The Gospel Truth

When I sin I’m like Adam or Peter. I run away from God or tell him to leave me alone.

At those moments I don’t feel holy. So I don’t want to be around the Holy One. I know what I’ve done and I know there should be consequences for my actions. I don’t think I should be forgiven, even though I know God wants to forgive me.

And that’s the point Jesus made when he said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!” (Mark 1: 15, HCSB)

Mark tells us that Jesus came preaching the good news. But when I’ve been bad, I don’t think I deserve to hear any good news. I expect at the very least to be scolded. I know I should be punished.

But Jesus died so that God wouldn’t have to punish me—or you.

Three times in the King James Version of the New Testament the word propitiation is used to describe the Messiah’s atonement. Other versions use various words, but the concept of one person dying for another is hard to grasp. But here’s a simple definition: the death of the innocent, on behalf of the guilty, to satisfy the wrath of the just.

Yes, we should be forever separated from God. But we won’t be if we accept the good news—that Jesus took our place and our punishment.

And that’s the gospel truth that leads us to genuine repentance.