Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also [were] in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

– Mark 1:14-20 (NKJV)

A few years ago I took my kids on a hike through the woods. They were both eager to get ahead on the trail and they were arguing over who would lead. I had told them that I would lead us on the trail and that they needed to follow me. My warnings had fallen on deaf ears as we were coming around a bend in the path something caused me to instinctively throw my hands back and as I did I caught a kid on each side trying to pass me. I had grabbed them and stopped them in their tracks. There in front of us was a large snake that looked somewhat like a root slowly crossing our path. If either one had been in the lead they would have found the snake by stepping on it! Needless to say, both kids were eager to follow me the rest of the way and no one tried to strike out and lead.

In today’s passage, Jesus invites his disciples on a journey of discipleship. The formula was simple. These men just needed to embrace the simplicity of following Jesus. Their transformation from fishermen to fishers of men was something Jesus would do! He told us as much when he said, “And I will make you become…” All that was really required of these men was for them to follow Jesus. He would take care of the transformation. There were a few instances where Peter tried to get out ahead of the Lord, but Jesus was always swift to put him back in his place.

Sometimes I too am tempted to complicate things in my relationship with Jesus. Instead of looking to follow him, I often try and strike out to get ahead. I mistakenly think that if I read enough books, take enough classes, attend enough conferences, and listen to all the right podcasts that somehow I’ll be well on my way to achieving a high level “fishers of men” certification. I forget how simple the formula really is. All that is required is for me to follow Him and He will make me into what he wants me to be.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you the transforming power of the gospel. Make us into your image today. You are the potter, we are the clay. We ask you to guide us in your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.