Mark 1:16-20

2. THE CALL OF THE FISHERMEN. 1:16-20

TEXT 1:16-20

And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they left the nets, and followed him. And going on a little further, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets, And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1:16-20

30.

Was this the first time Jesus had seen Simon and Andrew? Cf. John 1:25-35.

31.

In what specific manner did Jesus keep His promise to make fishers of men? i.e. what elements were involved in the process?

32.

Compare Luke 5:1-11 and tell why these two were so willing to immediately leave their nets and follow him.

33.

Please notice the type of men called by Jesus to be his followers, and later his apostles. Does this give hope to us?

34.

Why did these men leave their business to follow one who offered them no money?

COMMENT 1:16-20

TIMEApril, A. D. 28
PLACEAlong the sea of Galilee near Capernaum.

PARALLEL ACCOUNTSRead Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11

OUTLINE1. The place and persons of the call of the master Mark 1:16. Mark 1:2. The call to man-fishing Mark 1:17. Mark 1:3. The immediate response Mark 1:18. Mark 1:4. Two more to answer the call. Mark 1:19. Mark 1:5. They left the nets to others and they went after him. Mark 1:20.

ANALYSIS

I.

THE PLACE AND PERSONS OF THE CALL. Mark 1:16.

1.

By the shore of the sea of Galilee.

2.

Simon and Andrewfishermen.

II.

THE CALL TO MAN-FISHING, Mark 1:17.

1.

From Jesus personally.

2.

Obtain by following Him.

III.

THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. Mark 1:18.

1.

Left nets.

2.

Followed Him.

IV.

TWO MORE TO ANSWER THE CALL. Mark 1:19.

1.

Just a little way from where He called Simon and Andrew.

2.

Not fishing but mending nets.

V.

NETS LEFT TO OTHERSTHEY WENT AFTER HIM. Mark 1:20.

1.

Immediate answer to an immediate (urgent) call.

2.

Left father and work (and money) to follow Him.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

Observe the Harmony. The fact of our Lord's first gaining disciples when John first points him out to two of his followers, is recorded in John 1:25-35. Simon and Andrew were then first made acquainted with Christ, and this explains their prompt compliance here. After their first call, they had continued in their worldly business. This is the further call to attend upon Christ in his ministry, leaving all and following him wheresoever he went. There is still a further call to the Apostleship, with ordination, Mark 3:14. The accounts in Matthew and Mark are almost in the same words. Luke is more full, and gives us the narrative of a miracle which Christ wrought at this time; which throws light upon Mark's more brief statement here. It is worthy of note, that this miracle, so full of meaning, was twice wrought by our Lord; both now, when he called them to their work, and at the last, when he was about to leave them. John 21:6. And in both cases, he would show by it how he could and would make their work successful. See Ezekiel 47:10; Jeremiah 16:16. He who could make them from fishermen to become fishers of men, could make them catch men in their new work as easily and abundantly as now he could make them catch fish. So our Lord uses the figure of a net. Matthew 13:41.

20. Hired servants. This would intimate that they were not of the poorest class.

FACT QUESTIONS 1:16-20

45.

When and where did the calling of the four occur?

46.

Read carefully Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:1-11 and see if these are indeed parallel accountssome feel they are notwhat do you believe?

47.

Read John 1:25-35 and show how it relates to this incident.

48.

State the three calls of Christ to these men.

49.

Why the miracle of the draught of fish? Why given twice? Cf. John 21:6.

50.

Why mention the hired servants as in Mark 1:20?