Untitled Sermon

Context

Mark takes last week’s passage as the context from which Jesus accomplishes this week’s passage.

Galilean Preaching is the context; alongside the sea is the specific setting.

Jesus is from Nazareth in Galilee Mark 1:9

Mark 1:9 CSB

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

This indicates that he is preaching in his hometown and surrounding areas.

Jesus was a Galilean Carpenter Mark 6:3

Mark 6:3 CSB

Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended by him.

Up to this point, Jesus had hardly made a splash. He was about thirty years old, but was known in 6:3 as “the Carpenter,” not yet “the Christ.”

Why is this important?

Nazareth and Galilee were not densely populated. It is possible that these men knew Jesus in some way already.

He would have played with the boys in the area. He would have graduated with a diploma from Nazareth Hebrew School, with the letter jacket to boot. He would have sold his carpentry skills in the area (we don’t know exactly what this would have looked like), bought groceries, and attended Synagogue weekly.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, for all that means. A walk by the sea would not have been obscure.

Exegesis

And that is where we see him in Mark 1:16

Mark 1:16 CSB

As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.

Passed alongside: not a stroll, but connected to preaching. Passing with Purpose

Not Special: chosen on Purpose, but not with referent to anything in them

Specific Task: Given a Purpose

Theological Principlizing Bridge

Effectual Calling

Jesus comes to get them; better than them coming to get Jesus

Jesus comes to get Sinners; better than Jesus coming to get you because you are so awesome.

Jesus applies their innate abilities by nature and by nurture to their Christian duties; Better than destroying their past, he uses it

Application

Jesus came to get you. If you are believing in Christ for your Salvation, He died for you. “Are you believing in Christ and only Christ for your salvation?”

Jesus saved you in spite of you. You did not deserve to be saved. “Do you depend on your works to get you into heaven?”

Jesus has given you a calling. Your past is no accident. Jesus will use even you and me for him. “What is Jesus calling you to?”