“What is my calling?” If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re in good company. It’s one of the most common questions in Christian circles. But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question? In this episode, we use “Road Less Traveled” by Joe L. Barnes and Seph Schlueter as our jumping-off point to look at Peter’s first and last “follow me” from Jesus, and discover that our calling isn’t a destination or a job title. It’s a Person.
We slow down in Mark 1:16–20 with a list of verbs, see what following a first-century teacher really meant, and then compare Peter’s call at the nets with his restoration by the Sea of Galilee in John 21. The road changed again and again for Peter. The call never did. Grab your free Episode Guide to take these same BITEs this week.
Key Points
- Jesus’ verbs lead in Mark 1:16–20. He passes, sees, speaks, calls, and makes. The disciples respond with two verbs: left and followed.
- Jesus does the making. The disciples do the following. The becoming happens on the way.
- In the first century, a disciple’s goal was to become like the teacher, not just know what he knew (Luke 6:40).
- Being with Jesus comes before being sent by Jesus, and the sending always leads back to His presence (Mark 3:14; Mark 6:30–31).
- Following Jesus didn’t look the same for everyone. Some left their jobs, some funded the work, and some were sent home to proclaim what He had done (Mark 5:18–20).
- Peter’s assignment changed from fisher of men to shepherd of the sheep, but his calling never changed: “You follow me!” (John 21:22).
- Scripture calls every believer to belong to Jesus, become like Him, and proclaim Him. Specific assignments are real, but God gives them to people who are already following.
Scriptures Referenced
- Mark 1:16–20
- Mark 3:13–15
- Mark 5:18–20
- Mark 6:7, 12–13, 30–31
- Luke 6:40
- Luke 8:1–3
- John 21:15–22
- Acts 13:2
- Acts 16:10
- Romans 1:6–7
- 1 Peter 1:3
- 1 Peter 1:15
- 1 Peter 2:9
BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)
- Slow down and make a list: list the verbs in Mark 1:16–20 by who is doing them.
- Make observations: note Jesus’ movement and direction, and where the word “immediately” appears.
- Compare and contrast: set Mark 1:16–20 beside John 21:15–22. What stayed the same? What changed?
- Explore a theme: look up where the word “called” is used in the New Testament and notice who does the calling.
- Follow a word through Mark: trace the phrase “with him” from Mark 3:14 to Mark 5:18.
You’re called to follow Jesus. Where He leads is His business. Following is yours.
Enjoy the official music video below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Download the free Episode Guide
- Bible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study – videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study – Learn More
- Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
So what’s next? This week, I want you to take the same BITEs I took. First, grab your Episode Guide and slow down with Mark 1:16–20. Make your own verb lists: what Jesus does, and what the disciples do. I’d love to know what you notice that I didn’t.
Second, read John 21:15–22 and compare it with Mark 1. What stayed the same? What changed in Peter? And then, I want you to sit with three questions.
What net are you holding? Maybe it’s a plan, a title, or the “calling” you’ve been waiting to discover. What would it look like to set it down and simply follow?
What’s your “What about him?” Whose road have you been comparing yours to? Hear Jesus say to you what He said to Peter: “What is that to you? You follow me!”
And finally, when Jesus nudges you this week, will you respond “immediately”… or “eventually”? Be a dusty follower. Stay close enough that you don’t miss a thing.
📥 Download the free Episode Guide: 👉 michellenezat.com/546download
