Follow Me | Mark 1:14-20
Have you ever heard of a band wagon fan? It is someone who only shows interest and support for a sports team based on recent success and popularity. A fan is an enthusiastic admirer: they know the music, wear the t-shirts, and even come to worship. But that doesn’t mean they are a follower. A fan will find a seat in the stands, will cheer for Jesus on the weekends and as long as the season is going well, they are there. But if the season gets bad, they stop coming.
Jesus doesn’t want fans, he calls followers. He is looking for disciples. Sadly, we have created a culture where you can be a “Christian” but not a “disciple.” A disciple is someone who follows Jesus in faith and lifestyle and helps others do the same.
In Mark 1:14-20, Jesus has just identified with sinful humanity at His baptism in the Jordan and stood strong against Satan in the wilderness. If Jesus had not stood strong then He would not have been our Savior. He now is ushering in His Kingdom and building a community that will turn the world upside down. He begins by calling His disciples to follow Him. In these verses, we see what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Disciples are called, changed by, and surrendered to Jesus.