Mark 1:19-20 And when he had gone a little farther there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother… I. Our first question is, WHAT MANNER OF MEN WERE JAMES AND JOHN WHEN JESUS SUMMONED THEM TO HIS SERVICE? Is it not suggested that they were free from gross vices; open-eyed to truth and righteousness? Converted profligates have rendered eminent service in the kingdom of God; yet the best achievements have usually come from men who have not saturated their natures with vicious indulgences. Secular experience had helped to make the brothers fit for Christ's call. The stormy wind was fulfilling Christ's word, and He was coming to His men walking on the waves of the sea. The qualities of character produced by toil upon the deep were caught up and transfigured in the fulfilment of apostolic tasks. We are shaped by circumstances which look commonplace for future usefulness. James and John had reason to be thankful for helpful communion with others. Their parents must have been a worthy couple, and their companions, Peter and Andrew, were like-minded with themselves. Their thoughts went beyond boats and nets. Their lives looked upward. To the youthful fishermen Christ had already revealed Himself. His spell was on their hearts. II. THE CALL FOR WHICH SUCH VARIED PREPARATIONS HAD BEEN MADE WAS HEARD IN DUE COURSE — "He called them," etc. Though we take it as a matter of course that James and John should make a prompt response, there was the possibility of reluctance and bargaining. Jonah fled. Prompt be our obedience. The call that was heeded involved a purifying fellowship. The men who were named "Boanerges" had dispositions which might have made them men of violent deeds had not Christ assumed the task of refining without weakening the powerful, passionate natures that He won. To be much with Christ is essential to doing well in His kingdom. III. THE SERVICE FOR WHICH THE CALL AND CULTURE PREPARED THE WAY. IV. THE SACRIFICES WHICH THE SERVICE REQUIRED. Zebedee and Salome had their share. For their sons they had made plans with which Christ interfered. Their home was to lose some light, The youths themselves had to endure hardship, but they had love to help them. (W. J. Henderson, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. |
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