Mark 1:20
Immediately Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
Immediately Jesus called them
The word "immediately" (Greek: εὐθύς, euthys) is a hallmark of the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing the urgency and divine authority of Jesus' mission. This immediacy reflects the compelling nature of Jesus' call, which transcends ordinary human deliberation. In the context of first-century Judea, a rabbi calling disciples was not uncommon, but the immediacy with which Jesus calls and the response it elicits underscores His unique authority and the divine imperative of His mission.

and they left their father Zebedee in the boat
The act of leaving their father Zebedee signifies a radical commitment to Jesus. In Jewish culture, family ties were paramount, and the family business was often passed down through generations. By leaving their father, James and John demonstrate a willingness to prioritize their spiritual calling over familial and economic obligations. This act of leaving is reminiscent of the call of Elisha by Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21), where Elisha leaves his oxen and family to follow the prophet, symbolizing a total dedication to God's call.

with the hired men
The mention of "hired men" indicates that Zebedee's fishing business was substantial enough to employ others, suggesting a level of affluence. This detail highlights the sacrifice James and John made in leaving not just their family but also a potentially prosperous future. It underscores the cost of discipleship, where following Jesus may require leaving behind material security and social status.

and followed Him
The phrase "followed Him" (Greek: ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheō) is central to the concept of discipleship in the New Testament. It implies more than just physical following; it denotes a commitment to learn from, emulate, and adhere to the teachings of Jesus. In the historical context, discipleship involved a close, personal relationship with the teacher, where the disciple would adopt the teacher's lifestyle and values. This call to follow is an invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God, requiring faith, obedience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown journey with Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who calls His disciples to follow Him.

2. James and John
Sons of Zebedee, also known as the "Sons of Thunder," who were fishermen by trade and among the first disciples called by Jesus.

3. Zebedee
The father of James and John, a fisherman who worked with his sons and hired men.

4. The Boat
Represents the livelihood and daily life of James and John, which they left behind to follow Jesus.

5. The Call
The moment when Jesus invites James and John to become His disciples, signifying a pivotal change in their lives.
Teaching Points
The Call to Follow Jesus
Jesus' call is immediate and requires a response. As believers, we are called to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.

Leaving Behind the Old Life
James and John left their father and their work. This symbolizes the need to leave behind our old ways and attachments to fully embrace a life with Christ.

Trust in Divine Provision
By leaving their livelihood, James and John demonstrated trust in Jesus' provision. We are encouraged to trust God to meet our needs as we follow Him.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus may require sacrifices, but the spiritual rewards far outweigh the temporal costs.

Immediate Obedience
The disciples' immediate response to Jesus' call is a model for us. We should strive for prompt obedience to God's direction in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the immediate response of James and John teach us about the nature of Jesus' call to His followers?

2. How can we apply the concept of leaving behind our "boats" in our modern-day context?

3. In what ways does trusting in God's provision challenge you in your current circumstances?

4. How do the actions of James and John reflect the teachings of Jesus in other parts of the New Testament?

5. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your obedience to God's call is immediate and wholehearted?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 4:21-22
This passage parallels Mark 1:20, providing additional context to the calling of James and John.

Luke 5:10-11
Offers a similar account of the calling of the first disciples, emphasizing the immediacy and totality of their response.

John 15:16
Jesus speaks about choosing His disciples, reinforcing the idea of divine calling and purpose.

Acts 4:13
Highlights the transformation and boldness of the disciples, who were once ordinary fishermen.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks about the value of knowing Christ over worldly gains, echoing the disciples' decision to leave everything behind.
The Fishers of MenR. Green Mark 1:14-20
Call of DisciplesE. Johnson Mark 1:16-20
The Call of the Disciples; Or, Work and Higher WorkA.F. Muir Mark 1:16-20
The Call of the First Four DisciplesJ.J. Given Mark 1:16-20
A Call to DiscipleshipJoseph S. Exell, M. A.Mark 1:19-20
Christ's Insight into CharacterJ. Donne, D. D.Mark 1:19-20
The Beneficent Influence of a Christ-Attracted LifeW. J. Henderson, B. A.Mark 1:19-20
The Call of the Sons of ZebedeeW. J. Henderson, B. A.Mark 1:19-20
What the Gospel Ministry IsThe Christian Advocate.Mark 1:19-20
People
Andrew, Ephah, Isaiah, James, Jesus, John, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Wilderness of Judea
Topics
Boat, Follow, Followed, Hired, Immediately, Leaving, Servants, Ship, Straightway, Zabdi, Zebedee, Zeb'edee
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 1:20

     4926   delay, human
     5337   hiring
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8209   commitment, to Christ

Mark 1:16-20

     1651   numbers, 1-2
     5113   Peter, disciple
     6620   calling
     8120   following Christ

Library
What 'the Gospel' Is
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.--Mark i. 1 My purpose now is to point out some of the various connections in which the New Testament uses that familiar phrase, 'the gospel,' and briefly to gather some of the important thoughts which these suggest. Possibly the process may help to restore freshness to a word so well worn that it slips over our tongues almost unnoticed and excites little thought. The history of the word in the New Testament books is worth notice. It seldom occurs in those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Touch
'Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him.'--Mark i. 41. Behold the servant of the Lord' might be the motto of this Gospel, and 'He went about doing good and healing' the summing up of its facts. We have in it comparatively few of our Lord's discourses, none of His longer, and not very many of His briefer ones. It contains but four parables. This Evangelist gives no miraculous birth as in Matthew, no angels adoring there as in Luke, no gazing into the secrets of Eternity, where the Word who afterwards
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son
'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2. As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. 3. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. 4. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mighty in Word and Deed
'And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24. Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Healing and Service
'Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell Him of her: 31. And He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.'--Mark i. 30, 31, R. V. This miracle is told us by three of the four Evangelists, and the comparison of their brief narratives is very interesting and instructive. We all know, I suppose, that the common tradition is that Mark was, in some sense, Peter's mouthpiece in this Gospel. The truthfulness of that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Parable in a Miracle
'And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; he thou clean. 42. And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.'--Mark i. 40-42. Christ's miracles are called wonders--that is, deeds which, by their exceptional character, arrest attention and excite surprise. Further,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Composite Picture.
It may be helpful to make the following summary of these allusions. 1. His times of prayer: His regular habit seems plainly to have been to devote the early morning hour to communion with His Father, and to depend upon that for constant guidance and instruction. This is suggested especially by Mark 1:35; and also by Isaiah 50:4-6 coupled with John 7:16 l.c., 8:28, and 12:49. In addition to this regular appointment, He sought other opportunities for secret prayer as special need arose; late at night
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon—Quiet Talks on Prayer

The Way to the Kingdom
"The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15 These words naturally lead us to consider, First, the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God," which, saith he, "is at hand;" and, Secondly, the way thereto, which he points out in those words, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." I. 1. We are, First, to consider the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God." The same expression the great Apostle uses in his Epistle
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Repentance of Believers
"Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15. 1. It is generally supposed, that repentance and faith are only the gate of religion; that they are necessary only at the beginning of our Christian course, when we are setting out in the way to the kingdom. And this may seem to be confirmed by the great Apostle, where, exhorting the Hebrew Christians to "go on to perfection," he teaches them to leave these first "principles of the doctrine of Christ;" "not laying again the foundation of repentance
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Lord and the Leper
The Lord Jesus Christ at this day has all power in heaven and in earth. He is charged with a divine energy to bless all who come to him for healing. Oh, that we may see today some great wonder of his power and grace! Oh, for one of the days of the Son of Man here and now! To that end it is absolutely needful that we should find a case for his spiritual power to work upon. Is there not one here in whom his grace may prove its omnipotence? Not you, ye good, ye self-righteous! You yield him no space
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

Faith and Repentance Inseparable
I. I shall commence my remarking that the gospel which Christ preached was, very plainly, a command. "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Our Lord does condescend to reason. Often his ministry graciously acted out the old text, "Come, now, and let us reason together; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as wool." He does persuade men by telling and forcible arguments, which should lead them to seek the salvation of their souls. He does invite men, and oh, how lovingly he woos them to be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Answer to Mr. W's First Objection.
I WILL first consider all Mr. W's objections to these literal stories. Mr. W. says in his preamble, before he comes to propose his objections in form: That these three miracles are not equally great, but differ in degree, is visible enough to every one that but cursorily reads, and compares their stories one with another.--The greatest of the three, and indeed the greatest miracle, that Jesus is supposed to have wrought, is that of Lazarus's resurrection; which, in truth, was a most prodigious miracle,
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

The Fellowship of Prayer
THE FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." -- Phil. 4:6 This timely exhortation stresses the fact that God's people should consult with Him in every matter pertaining to life. Unless they see the imperative necessity of prayer, and give it an important place in daily life, they cannot expect to be maintained by the ample resources of a generous Saviour. It is apparent that we cannot obtain
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue.
(at Capernaum.) ^B Mark I. 21-28; ^C Luke . IV. 31-37. ^b 21 And they [Jesus and the four fishermen whom he called] go into { ^c he came down to} Capernaum, a city of Galilee. [Luke has just spoken of Nazareth, and he uses the expression "down to Capernaum" because the latter was on the lake shore while Nazareth was up in the mountains.] And ^b straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. { ^c was teaching them} ^b 22 And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
We have learned that sin entered this world and that all mankind have sinned. We have also learned that Jesus came to save man from his sins. Now the question may arise in the mind of some, what must I do to be saved? We hope in this chapter to quote such scriptures as will plainly teach you the way of salvation, or how to be fully saved, and also the scriptures describing each experience. Repentance. The first step for the sinner is to repent. When on Pentecost men were pricked in their hearts
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Jesus' Conception of Himself
252. When Jesus called forth the confession of Peter at Caesarea Philippi he brought into prominence the question which during the earlier stages of the Galilean ministry he had studiously kept in the background. This is no indication, however, that he was late in reaching a conclusion for himself concerning his relation to the kingdom which he was preaching. From the time of his baptism and temptation every manifestation of the inner facts of his life shows unhesitating confidence in the reality
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

John the Baptist
Matt. iii. 1-17; iv. 12; xiv. 1-12; Mark i. 1-14; vi. 14-29; Luke i. 5-25, 57-80; iii. 1-22; ix. 7-9; John i. 19-37; iii. 22-30. 72. The first reappearance of Jesus in the gospel story, after the temple scene in his twelfth year, is on the banks of the Jordan seeking baptism from the new prophet. One of the silent evidences of the greatness of Jesus is the fact that so great a character as John the Baptist stands in our thought simply as accessory to his life. For that the prophet of the wilderness
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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