Monday 14 October 2024
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” (vs 16-17)
Background
I’m not usually a fan of screen-based biblical films but have recently discovered The Chosen, a drama series based on the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of those who knew him. It’s in no way intended to replace scripture, but rather to support its truth and intention, so viewers are also encouraged to read the gospels in tandem. In the first season there is an episode that focuses on today’s Bible passage, where Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him.
Events in The Chosen are portrayed a bit differently from the abrupt immediacy of how Mark describes them in verses 17-20. In the drama we see how everyone except Simon Peter had seen and heard Jesus previously. They experienced a growing realisation of his authority and who he was. There was even consideration of what it would mean for their families if they become his followers. Some of us might be able to relate to that experience from our own Christian journey.
However for Simon Peter, his first encounter with Jesus was a miraculous, undeniable moment of coming face to face with a profound truth that he couldn’t ignore and which would change his life.
The daily prayers in the 2024 Prisons Week of Prayer resource recall individual encounters with Jesus from the gospels and today's prayer concerns Zacchaeus. He wanted to get a good look at Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore tree. But he found himself called down from the tree by Jesus to provide hospitality for the day. This disarming encounter with Jesus not only changed him as an individual but had a hugely beneficial impact on the lives of others, devastated and wrecked by his previous behaviour. The Sycamore Tree restorative justice programme run by Christian volunteers and chaplains in many prisons can have the same powerful effect.
To Ponder:
- How might it feel to hear yourself called by name into the presence of Jesus – for example during a time of silent prayer or in a difficult situation with someone – and accept the attention, love and healing he directs towards you?
Prayer
Prayer for day two of Prisons' Week – inspired by Luke 19:5.
Welcoming God, you call us all to sit and eat with you. You know our faults before we can confess them and yet you still love us. Thank you for calling us from the places we hide and for loving us. We pray for all those affected by prison: be with them when they are in pain, feeling sad, angry, lonely or betrayed. Thank you that you stay with those who others reject. Give them eyes to see you when they are in places of darkness. Let them see your spark of light, receive your love, and seek to do good wherever they are. May they accept your invitation Jesus, follow your example, and know that your love can restore and transform their lives. Amen.
Bible notes author: Rachel Shackleton
Rachel is a volunteer chaplain at HMP Full Sutton near York.