Reference

Mark 1:14-20 (see Mark's Gospel in EasyEnglish)

Introduction

Herod Antipas was king of the *Jews in *Galilee. He had put John the Baptist in prison. The people were really unhappy. They did not like the *Romans who ruled the country. They wanted God to send the *Messiah. At that time Jesus began to tell good news about God. He said that the time of God’s rule was coming very near. Jesus told the people to stop doing wrong things. They should believe him and obey God. Jesus came at the best time. Roman soldiers made sure that the country was safe. There were good roads. Many people could speak the *Greek language. The good news could spread quickly.

Lake Galilee is about 13 miles long and seven miles wide. There were lots of fish in the lake. Many men caught fish to feed their families. They also sold fish, even to people who lived in other countries.

Jesus had met Andrew and Simon before (John 1:35-42). When they were working Jesus called to them. He knew that they could bring in fish. Jesus would show them how to bring people to him. Later Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter. James and John were also working when Jesus called them. All four men went with Jesus immediately he called them.

Questions to ask

V14 What was the good news?

V15 Jesus came at the right time. Why was it right?

V15 Jesus said the people should do two things. What were they?

V15 Why were both things necessary?

V16, 17 Simon and Andrew were busy. What did they think when Jesus called them?

V20 James and John went with Jesus immediately. What did their father think about that?

V20 What did the servants think when the young men went with Jesus?

Something to do

If Jesus called you, would you obey immediately?

Sometimes we can stay where we are and work for God. Sometimes God calls people to leave their home and work in a different place. Would you do that for God?

Words to explain

Galilee ~ the north part of the country where Jesus lived and preached.

Greek ~ a language.

Jew ~ a person who is born from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children; a person who has the faith of the Jews, called Judaism.

Messiah ~ the special servant of God; the name that God chose for Jesus. It means the person whom God sent to save people from their sin and be their king; the only person who can put us right with God; God promised the Jews that the Messiah would save them and be their king; they did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah when he came; Jews are still waiting for a Messiah; the person who will come again to rule in God's kingdom for ever; God's anointed person; Christ is the Greek word for Messiah.

Roman ~ a person from Rome. Rome was a powerful city; it had a strong army.