“So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.”
Words from today’s gospel according to Mark.
Imagine the look on Zebedee’s face.
His two boys are literally dropped everything and left him to follow this man.
They grew up in this family business, and they likely had plans to continue in it for the rest of their lives.
This, according to the Hebrew Scriptures, was like blasphemy. To forsake a Father was a shameful slap in the face.
From the beginning, Jesus was a challenging figure.
He challenged the way things are done.
He challenged structures.
He challenged systems.
He challenged them for the sake of a better plan. A new Kingdom.
Following him meant things couldn’t be as they’ve always been – especially when those things conflict with the Kingdom.
It’s interesting that the boys were mending nets when they met Jesus.
Nets that capture.
Nets that entangle.
Nets that entrap.
Nets that inhibit.
In a certain sense, the boys had to shed the nets that bind them for the sake of the Kingdom.
We too, often find ourselves in a web of nets that stifle the Kingdom.
This same Jesus stands on our shores today, and summons us:
Drop those nets.
Follow me.
