community group discussion guide
introduction
As we begin the Lent season, we’ll focus more intently on spiritual renewal and self-examination over the next couple of months leading up to Easter. This series on “Repentance” will focus on understanding repentance as an essential part of living a transformed life. As highlighted in the teachings of Jesus, repentance is foundational to his message about the coming of God’s kingdom, and plays a crucial role in personal and relational healing and peace.
Throughout the series, we’ll delve into what godly repentance looks like from a biblical standpoint, examining how it leads to healthier and wholesome relationships, growth, and transformation. By reflecting on the need for repentance, we’ll explore how it enables us to confront our shortcomings and pursue healing, offering the tools needed for reconciliation and growth.
opening question
What’s the most unexpected, exciting, or daunting opportunity or challenge you’ve ever been called to take on?
read Mark 1:14-20 (NIV)
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Take a few moments to reflect on the Scripture. Share some insights, questions, or points that strike you. Then read what follows.
context
This passage highlights the significance of the timing and context of Jesus’ public ministry in Mark’s Gospel. Mark doesn’t typically provide specific details about time and location1, so it’s important to note the significance when he mentions both at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in v. 14. The mention of John’s arrest in v. 14 marks a transition in Jesus’ public ministry, with the arrest potentially serving as a turning point that leads Jesus to begin his public ministry. Mark uses Jesus’ return to Galilee as a key moment to formally announce the start of his ministry.
kingdom of God
One commentator points out that Mark summarizes the entirety of Jesus’ life and teachings with the concept of “the kingdom of God” (v. 15). The idea of “the kingdom of God” is richly rooted in Israel’s history and their understanding of God as their king, as seen in the Old Testament. Mark shows that the fulfillment of Israel’s historical view of God’s reign and kingdom is now being fully realized in the coming of the Messiah.
Interestingly, however, Jesus seldom speaks of God as king or explicitly portrays God’s sovereignty over Israel or the world.2 Instead, he speaks of “entering the kingdom as entering a new state of being.”3 In other words, a new way of living under God’s authority, according to God’s values. Jesus also speaks of the kingdom of God in analogies or parables (Mark 4:26, 30), presenting it as a revelation given to those who are open and receptive to him as well as willing to learn. However, for others who are not yet ready to accept it, the meaning remains elusive (Mark 4:11).
The concept of the kingdom of God is complex, and hard to sum up in a simple way. Mentioned thirteen times in Mark’s Gospel, the kingdom of God represents the complete scope of God’s transformative work throughout creation. It encompasses personal reconciliation with God through forgiveness of sin, breaking of the curse, the restoration of the world, living in joyful obedience to Jesus, the creation of a unified humanity, among many other aspects.
- The idea of the kingdom of God involves a long-term vision of renewal and restoration, and not just individual salvation. How does this perspective of the kingdom challenge or reshape your theological perspectives on mercy and justice, environmental stewardship, etc.?
- People often wonder how the kingdom of God is present now, especially when there is so much suffering, injustice, and brokenness in the world. How do you reconcile the kingdom of God that is “already here” in some ways but “not yet” in others? How would you talk about this to someone who is exploring Christianity?
Jesus' call to radical change
In verse 15, Mark presents this moment of Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom of God as a pivotal moment in history. Jesus has come patiently, in perfect submission to God’s divine timing, as the messenger of God’s good news. As we see God’s divine time breaking into human history in ways unlike anything previously known, it calls for a fundamental shift in human thinking and action.
The invitation to respond is embedded in Jesus’ call to “repent and believe” (v. 15), which demands a radical change. This response to repent and believe gets at the idea of turning from something and turning to something else. If in repenting, one turns away, it is in believing that one turns to the gospel. Here, Jesus uses present imperatives to show that repentance and belief are not just one-time actions, but ongoing, continuous commands. Moreover, repentance and belief are not to be selectively applied to only certain parts of life; they are meant to transform every aspect of life.
- What does Jesus’ use of present imperatives in his command to “repent and believe,” tell us about the nature of repentance and belief in the kingdom of God?
- What areas of your life do you find difficult to surrender in continual repentance or belief? Why do you think these areas are harder to submit to Jesus?
the cost of discipleship
In verses 16 and following, Jesus calls the four disciples, beginning with Simon and Andrew. The way Jesus calls them is significantly counter-cultural compared to the Jewish tradition. Jesus’ call is based solely on his messianic authority alone, and he does not need any other qualifications or authority to make this call.4 Unlike aspiring rabbinic students who had to demonstrate their knowledge of theology and the Torah, the fishermen Jesus calls have no prerequisites for becoming his disciples. It is through following Jesus that they will learn, grow, and do what can only be learned, and come to truly know him.
Jesus’ call to the disciples to follow him is a call to costly service, and therefore, the process of becoming his disciples is long, painful, and slow. At its core, discipleship requires abandoning former allegiances to make room for a new allegiance to Jesus. In this passage, the fishermen not only leave their nets, but also their families. While there is nothing wrong with nets and families in and of themselves, even good and essential things like these can become obstacles to fully heeding Jesus’ call to follow him.
In calling the four fishermen to follow him, Jesus gathers them into a community — and into a community with himself. By highlighting Jesus’ knowledge of the names and faces of the disciples he called, Mark underscores that discipleship is deeply personal and relational. Following Jesus means being with him, not merely as a teacher or a mentor, but as a friend and Savior.
- Discipleship is not a linear process, and we may face setbacks along the way. How do you stay committed to following Jesus when progress seems slow or obstacles arise?
- Jesus’ call to follow him is not just about learning after him, but it’s also about being with him. What does it look like for you to be in a relational, personal relationship with Jesus, rather than just following him as a teacher or mentor?
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1 Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark. PNTC. Eerdmans, 2001.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 “Entry into a rabbinical school depended on the initiative of the aspiring student, not the call of a rabbi. The personal prominence that Jesus assumes in the call of the four fishermen is highly unusual in Jewish tradition as a whole. The chief allegiance of rabbinic students was to the Torah rather than to a particular rabbi.” (Edwards, James R. The Gospel according to Mark. PNTC.)
group application
What is one specific area in your life currently where God is still working to shape and change you? Share in pairs or in the group and invite prayer for encouragement.
announcements
- Saturday, March 15 | W83 Dashers, 9-10:15 am
Looking to pick up a new hobby and/or to get back in shape? Check out RWS’s Saturday morning running club where all levels of fitness are welcome. - Sunday, March 30 | Sunday Prayer Walk, 1:15-2:45 pm
Come on your own or sign up with friends – join us for a light stroll around the neighborhood and let’s intercede in prayer for our neighbors and neighborhood establishments together. - Saturday, April 5 | Known & Loved, 3-9 pm
Attend the spring conference together as a CG! Communities of grace are integral to supporting mental health. Learn the neuroscience behind it all and practical exercises that can be integrated into your CG’s spiritual practices. Early bird rate through March 31.
© 2025 Redeemer Presbyterian Church West Side
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. Th
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