Gospel of Mark: Follow (1:16-20)
This Sunday, Pastor Jenn continued in our book of Mark series talking about what it means to truly follow Jesus. At Resurrection Life NYC, we often say, “Following Jesus changes everything.” But what does it mean to actually follow Jesus?
Following Jesus, becoming a disciple or apprentice of Jesus, involves being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus does. Mark’s gospel is a reminder that Jesus invites us all to follow him. Just as he invited ordinary fishermen like Simon, Andrew, James and John, Jesus bids each one of us to come and follow. He believes in you and loves you.
So how do we follow?
We spend time being with Jesus, through prayer, daily reading of the Bible, and through spending time in his presence and in community with other believers. We learn who he is and what his kingdom vision looks like.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Jesus. We become, as Paul wrote, “imitators of God as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1). Over time, we learn to think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, listen like Jesus, and make decisions like Jesus.
We learn to do what Jesus does. We carry out his work in the world, helping to close the gap between the way things are and the way things should be.
Just as the disciples had to drop their nets to follow Jesus, so it is with us. There may be “nets” that we need to drop in order to follow Jesus fully—those things that are holding us back from surrendering completely to him and his call on our lives.
The call to follow Jesus is costly. This week, what does it look like for you to follow Jesus? What do you have to give up in order to follow Jesus’ call? What net do you need to drop? What would you gain if you chose to follow?
As you follow Jesus this week, may you be covered in the dust of your rabbi Jesus, following him so closely that you are transformed from the inside out, carrying out his kingdom vision right here in New York and wherever you go.