Gospel of Mark Part 7: The First Disciples [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Title: Immediately They Followed – The Call of the First Disciples
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:16–20 – “As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.”
OPENING QUESTION
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, what do you think He expects us to leave behind?
BACKGROUND
Up to this point in Mark’s Gospel, we’ve seen John the Baptist prepare the way, Jesus’ baptism and divine affirmation, His testing in the wilderness, and the start of His preaching ministry with the message: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” Now, Jesus begins building His team by calling the first disciples—ordinary fishermen who respond with extraordinary obedience. Their immediate response shows us the kind of commitment Jesus calls for when He says, “Follow Me.”
KEY POINTS
1. Simon and Andrew – Called While Working
Sons of Jonah (John 1:42), from Bethsaida (John 1:44), fishermen by trade (Mark 1:16).
Partners with James and John (Luke 5:10).
Jesus called them during their daily routine—no warning, no special occasion.
Luke’s account (Luke 5:1–11) adds the miraculous catch of fish and Simon’s humble confession: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8).
True discipleship begins with humility—recognizing our sinfulness before God (Proverbs 15:33).
2. James and John – Sons of Thunder
Sons of Zebedee, mother likely Salome (Mark 16:1; Matthew 27:56).
Successful fishing business with hired servants (Mark 1:20).
Nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17)—possibly for their zeal and quick tempers (Luke 9:54–56).
James would be the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:1–2), John would live to write the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
3. The Nature of the Call
“Follow Me” – not just an invitation, but a command to leave behind all competing loyalties.
“Fishers of men” – a mission to seek the lost (Luke 19:10).
Their response was immediate—no excuses, no delays (Mark 1:18,20).
4. Lessons in Discipleship
Obedience requires sacrifice – They left business, family, and security.
The call interrupts normal life – God often calls us in the middle of our routines.
True following is active – Disciples are not just learners, but laborers in the harvest (Matthew 9:37–38).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What stands out to you about the way Simon, Andrew, James, and John responded to Jesus’ call?
Why do you think Jesus chose fishermen as His first disciples instead of religious leaders?
How does humility prepare someone for service in God’s Kingdom?
What is the hardest thing for people today to “leave behind” in order to follow Jesus fully?
What does being a “fisher of men” look like in your daily life?
APPLICATION
Following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of anything that keeps us from obedience—whether that’s comfort, career, possessions, or relationships. Like the first disciples, we are called not just to believe in Jesus but to actively follow Him into His mission of seeking and saving the lost.
MEMORY VERSE
Luke 5:10b – “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Ask God to give you the humility to see yourself truthfully and the courage to respond to His call without hesitation. Pray for a heart that is eager to leave everything behind if necessary to follow Jesus and for opportunities to “fish for men” in your community.
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