Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” This statement captures the radical nature of true discipleship—when Jesus calls us, He transforms us. We become a new creation, breaking away from worldly attachments and idols to follow Him wholeheartedly. This is not an easy call; it requires a willingness to surrender everything because Jesus is now our ultimate treasure. Many wrestle with this reality, wondering if they truly must give up their comforts, relationships, and security. But this is the essence of discipleship: following the King demands a radical response, one of complete devotion and trust.

The King’s Demand: Radical Humility

Mark’s Gospel presents Jesus’ arrival as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. His message is clear: “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The kingdom is not merely a place but a divine intervention in human history, bringing salvation and judgment. Jesus’ call to repentance is not about mere regret but a radical turning from sin, a transformation that leads to faith. Repentance and belief are ongoing acts of humility, requiring us to acknowledge our complete dependence on Christ. Just as Jesus overcame the wilderness temptation, He now calls us to surrender our self-sufficiency and trust wholly in Him.

The King’s Summons: Radical Loyalty

Jesus not only calls His followers to humility but also to radical loyalty. When He calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John, they leave everything—career, family, and security—to follow Him. Unlike traditional rabbis, Jesus seeks out His disciples, offering them a mission to become “fishers of men.” This metaphor reflects the transformative power of the gospel, where following Christ means leaving behind the old life to embrace His mission. Discipleship is not about achieving worthiness but responding to grace with obedience. Whether following Jesus leads to foreign missions or ministering to a neighbor, it requires a willingness to surrender all. Jesus Himself set this example—leaving heaven, taking on flesh, and bearing our sin on the cross. If He gave up everything for us, how can we not respond with radical humility and radical loyalty?

Main Point – Following the King demands a radical response.

Outline – Two Responses the King Demands: 1. Radical Humility (vv14-15) & 2. Radical Loyalty (vv16-20)

Study Questions

1. Why was Galilee a significant place for Jesus to begin His public ministry? How does this reflect the wisdom of God?
2. In what ways was Jesus’ preaching (vv. 14-15) similar to that of John the Baptist? Why is this connection important?
3. When Jesus calls the first disciples to follow Him, what is He asking of them? What are the implications of this call for us as believers today?
4. Why must Jesus be the ultimate treasure of our hearts? What competing idols might be drawing your affection away from fully following Him?
5. What gifts of grace has God given to equip us to respond to Jesus’ call and follow Him? Support your answer with Scripture.