Learning Discipleship from the First Called (Mark 1:16–20)
The goal is for this to extend our series into your week. Give you more to chew on, more to pray about and more to live out.
Day 1 — The Call: Jesus Invites Ordinary People
Read: Mark 1:16–20
Key Truth: A disciple is a follower—someone who reorders life around Jesus.
Reflect (write a few words):
What “nets” (comforts, habits, fears, priorities) compete with Jesus in my life?
What would “immediately” look like in one small act of obedience today?
Respond (Pray):
“Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people. Give me a willing heart to follow You today. Show me one ‘net’ I need to loosen my grip on.”
One Step Today:
Choose one clear act of obedience (examples: forgive, confess, delete a temptation, set a daily Bible time, reach out to a believer).
Day 2 — The Formation: Jesus Changes Who We Are
Read: Luke 5:1–11
Key Truth: Jesus doesn’t just give a mission—He makes us become something new (Mark 1:17).
Reflect (write a few words):
Where do I feel unqualified as a Christian right now?
What is one area where I want Jesus to “make me become” more like Him?
Respond (Pray):
“Lord Jesus, I can’t change myself from the inside out. Teach me, shape me, and grow me. I trust You with my progress.”
One Step Today (Simple Habit):
Start small: 5 minutes Scripture + 2 minutes prayer (same time, same place).
Day 3 — The Community & Mission: Jesus Builds a Diverse Team
Read: Mark 2:13–17; Luke 6:12–16
Key Truth: Jesus forms disciples in community and sends them on mission.
Quick Background (Who they were):
Fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, John (working-class laborers)
Tax collector: Matthew/Levi (viewed as an outsider/collaborator)
Zealot: Simon (politically radical; strongly anti-Rome)
Reflect (write a few words):
Which disciple “type” do I relate to most (bold, doubtful, overlooked, outsider)?
What is one way I can practice following Jesus with other believers?
Respond (Pray):
“Jesus, teach me to follow You with Your people. Help me love believers who are different from me and join Your mission.”
Two Steps Today (Connection + Mission):
Connect: join a group / meet with a mature believer this month.
Mission: share one sentence this week: “I’m learning to follow Jesus—can I tell you what I’m reading?”
Day 4 — The Questions: Faith for the Skeptic and the Realist
Read: John 1:43–46 (Philip & Nathanael) and John 20:24–29 (Thomas)
Key Truth: Discipleship isn’t about having immediate answers; it’s about bringing your honest questions to Jesus.
Background Insight:
Not every disciple dropped their nets instantly without a word.
Nathanael was skeptical. He asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” He had prejudice and doubt.
Thomas was a realist. He demanded to see the scars before he believed in the resurrection.
Philip was a connector. He didn’t argue with Nathanael; he just said, “Come and see.”
Jesus didn’t reject these men for their hesitation. He met them in it. He proved Himself to Thomas and shocked Nathanael with His knowledge. Following Jesus is a safe place for your brain and your doubts.
Reflect (write a few words):
Do I feel like I have to "fake" certainty in my faith, or can I be honest with God about my questions?
Is there a "Nathanael" in my life—someone skeptical whom I can simply invite to "come and see" (watch a service, read a book, join a dinner)?
What is one specific doubt or question I need to bring to Jesus today?
Respond (Pray):
“Lord, thank You that You don’t require blind faith, but honest faith. I bring my questions to You. Like Thomas, show me Your reality. Like Philip, help me invite others even when I don’t have all the answers.”
One Step Today (Honesty):
Write down one big question you have about God or the Bible. Don’t hide it. Ask God to reveal the answer, or text a Christian friend/pastor and ask them for their perspective on it.
Day 5 — The Cost: Surrendering the "Right" to Lead Yourself
Read: Mark 8:34–38
Key Truth: The call to "follow" is a call to surrender. We cannot be the disciple and the master.
Background Insight:
Later in their journey, Jesus clarified what "fishing for men" would cost. He told them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself...” The disciples often argued about who was the greatest. They wanted the glory of the Kingdom without the sacrifice of the Cross. But Jesus taught them that the way up is down. To follow Him means giving up the right to run your own life. It means saying, "You are the CEO, and I am the employee."
Reflect (write a few words):
In what area of my life am I still demanding to be the "boss" (nances, relationships, future plans)?
What does "denying myself" look like in a culture that screams "indulge yourself"?
If Jesus asked me to go somewhere I didn't want to go, would I trust Him enough to follow?
Respond (Pray):
“Jesus, I confess that I often want the crown without the cross. I want the blessings of following You without the cost. Today, I surrender my 'rights' to You. You lead; I follow. Wherever You go, I will go.”
One Step Today (Surrender):
Identify one decision you need to make soon. Before you make it, pause and pray: “Lord, what do YOU want me to do in this situation?” Then, do what He says, even if it’s harder.
Closing Reminder: Discipleship isn’t perfection; it’s direction.
Jesus still says: “Follow Me.”