The introduction to Mark’s gospel that is contained in the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible reports that “This Gospel, the shortest of the four is largely a collection of narratives that depict Jesus as being almost constantly active; a favorite in Mark is the Greek word meaning immediately or at once or then….” Mark tells the story of the adult Jesus beginning his public ministry in the region of Galilee, and then making His journey literally and figuratively toward the cross and empty tomb at Jerusalem. I have heard it said that Mark may have been written to give a concise story of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior that could be read in a single one-hour sitting. That’s’ actually a good use of an hour.
Mark 1:16-21
16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb′edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb′edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him. 21 And they went into Caper′na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught …..
Prayer
Wonderful God, let me take a little break in my busy life to absorb the life-giving story of the life of Jesus. Fill me with His Spirit and love, as I pray and pray. Amen.
