Similar to the calling of the first disciples (the fishermen), a tax collector is called by Jesus to follow, thus changing tax collector’s course of direction. Jesus came preaching repentance and the kingdom of God and the Tax collector’s new life served as the embodiment of Jesus’ ministry. In this final sermon, we explore the mark of being redirected toward kingdom shaped outcomes.

This narrative in Mark is one of the most fascinating and touching stories. It reports the efforts of 4 friends who were determined to get their sick friend to Jesus. While the friend was eventually healed of his infirmity, he received a bigger blessing - the forgiveness of sins. His encounter with Jesus would ensure that his life would indeed be a better version of his former self. A follower of Jesus is destined for a life that is dramatically better than their life before their encounter with Jesus.

When Jesus comes on the scene, things happen. For a demon possessed man and a leper, Jesus represented liberation from evil and healing from an incurable disease. Being a disciple of Jesus can mean freedom from evil possession and from the throes of disease. Where evil and disease once claimed ownership, Jesus claims the once afflicted as his own.

In short, discipleship means to follow. The calling of the four fishermen in the gospel of Mark includes a prompt call by Jesus to follow and a prompt response by the fisherman to follow Jesus. These actions would put these men on course to fulfill a new assignment. That new assignment would shape the trajectory of the rest of their lives.

We begin our sermon series with focus on the baptism of Jesus. It is an appropriate place to begin a year of sermons. We will take a look at the baptism of Jesus and why baptism is a “mark” of discipleship.