Jesus calls his disciples (Mark 1: 16–20 and Mark 2: 13–17)
The word disciple means follower or learner.
All rabbis (Jewish teachers) had disciples. People at the time of Jesus chose which rabbis to follow, listen to and learn from.
The first four disciples that Jesus chose were two sets of brothers who were all fishermen.
Jesus went along the shores of Lake Galilee. Seeing Andrew and Simon (Peter) he called them to discipleship. Jesus said he would teach them how to catch people, meaning that he would show them how to bring people back to God.
Jesus then saw James and John in the boat with their father Zebedee. They responded instantly to his call and left everything, including their father, to follow Jesus.
The next disciple that Jesus called was Levi (Matthew). He was a tax collector who was sitting at his booth. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews. They were dishonest and were also seen as traitors because they worked for the Romans.
Jesus’ actions would have horrified many people, including the religious leaders. Tax collectors were outcasts due to their sinful ways, yet Jesus calls one to be a disciple. Levi also responded immediately to Jesus’ call and they celebrated with a meal at Levi’s house. Levi’s friends, many of whom were tax collectors, were also there.
This angered the Jewish religious leaders because Jewish law forbade Jews to associate with outcasts like tax collectors, who were seen as unclean. Jesus went a step further by sharing a meal with these people, so he was breaking ritual laws.
Jesus’ words are very powerful when he explains that he has come to help the outcasts in society, and not follow religious laws blindly. “Those who are well have no need of a doctor, but those who are sick. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
As a biblical scholar and enthusiast, my deep understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding the New Testament allows me to shed light on the intricacies of passages such as Mark 1: 16–20 and Mark 2: 13–17. The term "disciple," as used in these verses, goes beyond a mere follower; it signifies a dedicated learner under the guidance of a religious teacher, in this case, Jesus.
In the socio-religious milieu of the time, all rabbis, or Jewish teachers, naturally had disciples. What sets Jesus' selection of disciples apart is the deliberate choice of individuals from diverse backgrounds, challenging societal norms. Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in these passages:
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Lake Galilee and Fishing: Jesus begins his ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee, a significant location in the Gospels. The fact that he encounters the first four disciples, Andrew, Simon (Peter), James, and John, all fishermen, holds symbolic importance. Fishing becomes a metaphor for the disciples' future role: not catching fish but people—bringing them back to God.
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The Call of Andrew, Simon, James, and John: The immediacy with which these individuals respond to Jesus' call is noteworthy. They abandon their occupations and familial ties to follow Jesus. This underscores the transformative power of Jesus' message and mission.
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Levi (Matthew) the Tax Collector: Levi's occupation as a tax collector adds a layer of complexity to Jesus' choice of disciples. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish community, considering them both dishonest and traitors for collaborating with the Romans. Jesus challenges societal norms by calling Levi to be a disciple, illustrating his inclusive approach.
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Controversial Meals and Association: The narrative of Jesus sharing a meal at Levi's house with other tax collectors sparks controversy. In Jewish society, associating with tax collectors was strictly prohibited by religious laws, as they were deemed unclean outcasts. By doing so, Jesus challenges conventional norms, emphasizing his mission to reach out to those considered societal outcasts.
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Jesus' Message of Inclusivity: Jesus' powerful words express his mission clearly: "Those who are well have no need of a doctor, but those who are sick. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." This statement encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry—to reach out to those society deems unworthy or sinful, prioritizing compassion over rigid adherence to religious laws.
In essence, these passages showcase Jesus' radical approach in selecting disciples, emphasizing inclusivity and challenging societal norms. His actions and teachings reveal a deeper understanding of spiritual principles, encouraging followers to prioritize mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to religious traditions.
