Epiphany Season · Third Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B
Mark 1:14-20
The Calling of the First Disciples
January 24, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)
Jesus reacts to two types of people: (1) those who are willing to commit to him, like the first four disciples, and who are re-created by Jesus to “fish for people”; (2) those who remain outside him and thus will experience his authority to vanquish the powers of darkness.
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Commentary
Mark 1:14-20 Working Preacher
Reads the call of the four fishermen against John's arrest and Jesus' announcement that the kingdom of God has come near.
Mark 1:14-20 Center for Excellence in Preaching
On how the disciples' immediate response shapes a sermon about interruption and discipleship.
Follow Me SALT Project
Traces 'fish for people' back to its prophetic roots and asks what kind of movement Jesus is gathering.
Mark 1:14-20 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection on Mark 1:14-20, the calling of the first disciples to fish for people.
Following the Call Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Episcopal sermon on Mark 1:14-20 and Jesus' summons to leave the nets and follow immediately.
Background & Word Study
Dangerous Succession Left Behind and Loving It
Verse-by-verse Greek notes unpacking 'fishers of men' and the force of 'immediately' in Mark.
The call and preaching of Jesus in Mark 1 Psephizo · Ian Paul
A close reading of Jesus' preaching and the calling of the disciples with attention to kingdom and repentance vocabulary.
Mark 1:16-20: Fishing for People Theology of Work
A word study that honors the disciples' fishing trade as an image for their new vocation.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
How does Jesus call the first disciples?
Announcing that the kingdom of God is at hand, Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John from their nets, and at once they leave everything to follow him.
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