Mark’s account of Jesus’ life is one of the more dramatic Gospels. In some scripture versions, Mark uses the word immediately about forty times throughout the Gospel. When John the Baptist is arrested, Mark wants to make it clear that Jesus follows in the tradition of John. “The kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus begins to call people to repentance and belief. Repentance—turning in a different direction—comes first in Mark’s story. Not only does it link Jesus’ message to John’s message, but it demonstrates that repentance is the faithful response to God’s reign.
We can easily skip over this call to repentance, especially if we’ve heard this story many times before. We’d prefer to focus on these brave disciples, leaving the lives they’ve known to pursue a new adventure—not to mention that repentance isn’t something the church always does well. How do you call people to repent without shaming them or making them feel guilty? How do you recognize sin in your life and find your way to grace? Repentance is often not immediate at all. But it’s hard to follow if you’re going in the wrong direction.
Jesus sought followers who would willingly reorient themselves to a new way of living. Jesus’ invitation to Simon and Andrew to “fish for people” creates a metaphor they understand; fishing has been their life. Maybe fishing for people will free them from the rigors of their vocation. “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Simon and Andrew trade their lives of security to follow the path of risky discipleship.