Who is Jesus? For two thousand years philosophers, believers and sceptics have answered that question, and the answer decides the direction of an entire life. This sermon opens a journey through the Gospel of Mark with the scene by the Sea of Galilee, where fishermen leave their nets and families at a single word to follow someone they do not yet understand (Mark 1). You will also hear the stories of four people who set out on that same road today, and five words describing a church on the move. Listen, and ask who really sets the direction of your life.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Mark 1:16-20 Jesus meets Simon, Andrew, James and John at work and calls them: "Come, follow me." What does it say about these fishermen that they immediately leave their nets, their boat and their father Zebedee?
- The sermon compares the calling scenes in John, Luke and Mark. What does Mark especially emphasize by showing that Jesus Himself starts the encounter and calls the disciples right where they work?
- Work and family defined the identity of the first disciples. What defines your life most today, and what would it mean for Jesus to become more important than that?
- The disciples follow Jesus before they know who He really is, and they have plenty of doubts. How does that change the way you think about what it takes to start following Jesus?
- The speaker contrasts followers with observers and fans of Jesus: Christianity means following a person, not an idea, a set of rules or a moral code. How can you tell that difference in your own life?
- A church on the way is meant to go further, wider, deeper, slower and more together. Which of these five words speaks to you most this week, and what one concrete step can you take because of it?
