Lenten Reflection - Mark 1:14-28 Laurie McAnally
“14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believethe good news!” 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. 21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.” Mark 1:14-28
Not one son, but two. What must Zebedee have thought as he watched them leave? There was no time to help them pack a bag, or to say the things that fathers say when their sons set out into the world. All he could do was watch them go. Maybe he was wistful, wishing that he was a little younger and could join the adventure. Like most fathers, he probably prayed daily for their safety.
When our children leave us behind, we have all sorts of last-minute wisdom to impart: "Check your car's oil occasionally." "Eat a vegetable once in awhile." "Take your coat when it's cold." "Be kind." "Remember, no matter what, you always have a home if you need it, and someone who loves you."
We are like Zebedee, being left behind, praying, "Dear God, please let them be all right."
There are times when God asks us to go out into the world. And there are times when God wants us to stay home and pray for those who are out there. God asks us to trust him with whatever we are called to do, and that all will be well. And to remember, no matter what, that we always have a home if we need it, and Someone who loves us.