S – “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for^, people.” ¹⁸ Immediately they left their nets and followed him

Mark 1:17–18 CSB

O – Commentary:

Disciples usually sought out their own teachers. Only the most radical teachers called their own disciples (e.g., 1 Kings 19:19). Because discipleship sometimes involved temporarily laying aside one’s livelihood and being apart from one’s wife and children for a time, the decision to choose a teacher would have normally been made only after much deliberation, especially when the teacher traveled from place to place instead of staying in one town to teach. Galilee was not so large as to require long journeys, however; they would be able to return to stay in their home towns periodically (see e.g., 2:1). Much instruction was also seasonal (especially for those needing to be home for planting and harvest), but it is not clear that this would have been the case with Jesus’ disciples.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – This puts the disciples’ calling in a contextual perspective.  Jesus boldly asks them to follow him.  They knew what discipleship was but their decision was even more unique. They boldly responded. It would change every aspect of their life.

R – Lord, I want you to affect every part of my life.  I do not want to keep any area from you.  Help me to have the courage and boldness to step towards you when you call something out.  Help me to prioritize you while living my life through relationships and actions.  Like the disciples, I continue to learn and grow.