You have to love a biblical text which in two short verses provides transition, location, and a nice wee summary. We find ourselves in a transition from the ministry of John the Baptist to that of Jesus; in a very specific locale – Galilee; with a ministry that will be focused on a call to repentance and an exhortation to believe the good news that is being ushered in. Implicit within these two verses (14-15) is the foreboding similarity of outcome between John and Jesus – both will be arrested (paradothēnai which also means “handed over”), and each shall die in accordance with God’s will and purpose. Each death will be a political execution, and at the same time serve the purpose of shepherding in the kingdom of God (what we call an eschatological purpose).
Then follow two calls to discipleship. In the first, Jesus “passes along,” and in the other he “went a little farther.” In the former Jesus says, “Follow me,” and in the latter Jesus “calls them.” In the first instance, the reader is reminded of the call of Elisha by Elijah, who also “passed by” (1 Kings 19:19-21); while in the second the call is entirely (and deliberately) vague. In both instances an immediate ‘yes!’ requires leaving something behind in order to follow Jesus. And in each, there is a distinct lack of detail, because the focus is not on Jesus’ erudition or rhetorical skill; it is on the response of the soon-to-be disciples, which is ultimately (as one scholar notes) “disruptive, transformative, reorienting and radical.” As Mark’s Gospel will reveal, discipleship requires the leaving behind of wealth (10:21-24) and family (3:33-35); and even the sacrifice of one’s own life if needs be (8:34). And, of course, there is the constant critique, condemnation, suspicion of, and threats hurled one’s way by, suspicious neighbors, religious leaders, crowds, and the like. Discipleship is not for wimps, it seems.
These fishermen will be sent by Jesus or will be taught by him (the Greek allows for either translation) to fish for people (see also Jeremiah 16:16-18). They will become an evangelistic band of brothers (spreading the faith), or an eschatological fellowship (ushering in the reign of God).
The old age of promise now becomes the new age of fulfillment.
