Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets.  Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to receive and share the good news of your saving grace in my life. Help me to repent, and to recognize and accept your invitation.

Encountering Christ:

1. The Gospel of God: What is the gospel of God that Jesus was preaching? “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”  Jesus is the gospel. He is the good news. With him, the Kingdom of God is present. Where God reigns, the Kingdom of God is present. And Jesus is true God and true man.  By his taking on humanity, he made accessible the Kingdom of God, the good news that we can live in God’s presence.  

2. The Condition: Repentance: The only condition for entering the Kingdom of God and receiving the good news is repentance. “A heart humbled and contrite, God will not spurn” (Psalms 51:17). A repentant heart kicks out the ego and makes room for God to reign supreme. Jesus goes up and down Galilee preaching repentance. How many hearts heard these words and allowed the invitation to sink in? If I heard him speak those words to me today, how would I respond? 

3. Invitation Accepted: A few fishermen accepted Jesus’s invitation that day. Perhaps they were lured into following Jesus because it seemed adventurous, a novelty. Repentance is not a one-time deal. The process of repentance can be instantaneous like Saul’s, who was struck at once by the error of his ways, or the process can be ongoing. Our welcome into the Kingdom of God is just the beginning of a long journey, as the fishermen of Galilee will discover over the course of three years. They accepted the invitation, but will renew it again and again as Jesus reveals his identity and mission more fully. Sadly, not all will continue to accept the invitation when it involves following a crucified Christ.  

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I accept the invitation to enter into your kingdom, and I repent of my wrongdoing. Be with me as I strive to share the good news with others.  

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace, I will recognize the moments when I need to ask forgiveness of you and others.