Inspirational Message: They Left Their Nets and Followed Him!

Mark and Luke both present Jesus’ perfect humanity as the servant of God and the Son of Man.

As believers we are challenged to count the cost of discipleship. His mission undoubtedly will be fulfilled as He still seeks to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Can we join Peter (Mark 10:28) and leave all to follow Jesus? Can we leave anything to follow Him?
According to Mark, Jesus is a servant on the move and responding always to the will of the Father. While preaching, teaching and healing, He has been revealed as God’s Son. As His life unfolds, Jesus commands His followers, then and now to continue His work with His power! Jesus is both divine and human.

How does Mark explain the resistance of Jesus to Satan? How did John the Baptist support Jesus? In Mark 1:1–18, Jesus was presented through the reference of the prophets (Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1) who wrote as forerunners and they prepared the way of the Lord. John came baptizing for the repentance and remission of sins. Let us not forget the 40 days that Jesus endured the temptations of Satan! Jesus asked for repentance and belief in the gospels.

How were early followers received? Were special people sought? Jesus started with ordinary people and no respect of persons. Mark tells us that Jesus commanded Simon and Andrew to leave their nets and follow Him. We can continue reading the gospels of Mark and Luke to learn how Jesus chose disciples. The followers were astonished at His teaching and His display of authority. Luke, a Gentile physician, wrote with compassion as he carefully documented the life of Jesus and His earthly ministry. What can we learn from Luke 14:26-33? One conclusion is clearly known.

Somehow we must not let our worldly possessions consume all of our resources, including time, if our goal is to become a follower of Jesus Christ!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.