John had baptized Jesus, after which Jesus went into the desert where he spent 40 days. While he was there he was tempted by Satan, but he also was cared for by angels. After this time, Jesus returned home and learned that John had been arrested. Jesus them went to Galilee where he declared, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As Jesus was passing by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers named Simon and Andrew who were casting their fishing nets into the water. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, both men stopped what they were doing and went with Jesus. Jesus continued along his same path and found two more fishermen who were repairing their nets. They were also brothers, named James and John. Jesus called them as well, and they left the work that they were doing in the hands of their father and some of his hired men.
When Jesus and his new apostles reached Capernaum, it was on the Sabbath day, so Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach. The people who heard him were amazed by his words, because he taught as if he had true authority and did not teach as the scribes did.
While Jesus still was there, a man possessed by an unclean spirit approached him. “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” the man cried out. “Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!”
Jesus immediately spoke to the spirit. “Quiet! Come out of him!” The spirit drove the man into convulsions and came out of him with a shout. This, too, amazed the people, as they asked themselves, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” From that moment word of Jesus, his teachings and his actions began to spread everywhere across Galilee.
Later that same day, even into the early evening, Jesus healed the sick people who were brought to him, and he cast out many unclean spirits.
READ MORE ABOUT IT:
Mark 1
Q&A
1. What was the occupation of the four men Jesus called?
2. What did the people say about the way Jesus taught?
