Scripture Reflections

In our Gospel reading on Sunday, Jesus began to preach in Galilee after John the Baptist was arrested, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

We could break apart every phrase: What time? How is it fulfilled? What is the gospel he refers to? When will we see this kingdom that is knocking at the door? Mark packs a ton into one verse; his summary of Jesus’ preaching is just that—a summary.

I am intrigued, though, by what follows. Mark says that Jesus began to preach this message, and then calls Simon and Andrew and James and John to follow him. There is no gap in between these events, and no hesitation on the part of the four men. The leave everything and follow him immediately.

Both John and Luke tell us a bit more of the story. This wasn’t the first time these brothers met Jesus, and this calling wasn’t as abrupt as it seemed. But Mark chooses to leave out those details because he wants us to see something—when Jesus announces the kingdom is ready, the right response is an immediate “about face.” Hesitating, debating, and doubting don’t make any sense, if what Jesus says is true.

How many times do we waver in our willingness to follow? We are torn and pulled and put our energy in all sorts of places. We bet a bit on our career, a bit on our friendships, a bit on pleasure. Diversification is a great investment strategy, but it makes no sense in light of the coming kingdom. If the kingdom is real—if God is showing up, if Jesus is unifying all things under his perfect reign—what do those things matter? They might be good, true gifts that God wants to give us, but they aren’t worth placing in front of devotion to the king of this new kingdom. Only the new kingdom of Jesus offers something solid, something unchanging, something worth betting all our chips on.

It is too easy to see the kingdom of God as one more thing in our portfolio of life. But if it is true, it is the only thing worth going “all in” on.

Steven+