Scripture Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 & Mark 1:14-20
Today’s texts emphasize the call to a transformative journey. Jonah’s proclamation leads to Nineveh turning away from sin, and Jesus begins His ministry with a call to repent. Jonah witnesses the transformation of Nineveh, and the disciples’ lives are transformed by following Jesus.
Today’s scripture begins, “The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time,” accompanied by the divine command, “Get up, go to Nineveh, and proclaim my message.” (Jonah 3:1.) Here, we witness God’s persistent grace, providing Jonah with a second chance to align with divine will. The story unveils a unique means of repentance and salvation—a big fish—an unexpected vessel used by God to fulfill His purpose for Jonah and ultimately for the salvation of the people (10).
Jonah initially resisted and then rebelled against God’s call to go to the Nineveh. Yet eventually delivered the uncompromising prophecy about impending destruction to the Gentile Ninevites. But in contrast to other prophets who urged Israel to change from its wrongdoing and return to holiness, Jonah’s task was about the coming disaster.
In Jonah 3:1-5, we witness the reluctant prophet Jonah responding to God’s call to deliver a message to the sinful city of Nineveh. Despite Jonah’s initial hesitation, he obeys and plays a crucial role in Nineveh’s transformation, and the city experiences a remarkable transformation.
Jonah’s story includes several reversals and contrasts between human acts and heavenly will: After fleeing to Tarshish to save his own life, Jonah volunteers to be thrown into the stormy sea to save the Gentile crew. Another contrast in the story is that God’s will persists and prevails over the prophet’s protest even after rejecting God’s commands.
Crucially, God revokes the foretold judgement on Nineveh in response to the city’s repentance, showing His boundless grace. God’s love is bigger than his wrath. This emphasizes God’s desire to heal our prejudices and replace anger with love.
The Ninevites’ prompt repentance contrasts with Jonah’s first unwillingness to obey God’s command. And the repentance of the city signifies “the answer to social sin,” and “the conversion of an entire population.” God, moved by this genuine repentance, abandons his plans to destroy the city.
Jonah sets out for Tarshish and ends up at Nineveh. The once-powerful king takes off the royal robe and puts on sackcloth. Even God changes His mind regarding the fate of the city. Everyone experiences a surprising change of direction.
Where is our Nineveh? Just as Jonah had a specific mission, each of us has a unique mission in God’s divine plan. The story of Jonah also introduces us to the concept of the life-saving fish. In Jonah’s case, it was the belly of a great fish that became a place of both trial and salvation. In our lives, the life-saving fish might be the unexpected circumstances, challenges, or even relationships that serve as the means through which God works to transform us and draw us closer to Himself. May we heed the call to repentance, discern our Nineveh, embrace the life-saving fish that God provides, and experience the boundless grace of our loving God.
God is attentive to our prayers, just as He was with Jonah and the Ninevites. He hears the cries of our hearts and responds with mercy and compassion. In a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming, we can find solace in the truth that our God is persevering, responsive, and merciful.
God loves the world so much that he seeks to save the world by leading every person in it to repentance from sin and commitment to a life of obedience. May we align ourselves with the persevering and merciful nature of our Heavenly Father, who stands ready to forgive, restore, and lead us on a journey of transformation.
The call to repentance echoes through the ages and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. As we repent and turn towards God, we discover that His grace knows no bounds. The theme of repentance and redemption continues in the Gospel of Mark 1, where we see Jesus reaching out to sinners, healing the broken, and offering the gift of eternal life to all who believe.
In Mark 1:14-20, we witness the calling of the disciples and the initiation of a journey that transformed them from mere fishermen to fishers of men. Jesus begins His ministry, proclaiming the kingdom of God and calling people to repentance. He then calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, and they immediately leave their occupations to become fishers of men.
Jesus begins to form a team by calling disciples and demonstrates the importance of teamwork in spreading the Gospel. We are not alone on this journey of faith; we are a team and community formed by Jesus Himself. Each one of us has a unique role to play, offering our gifts and talents and time to the collective mission of making disciples. Being a team player in the kingdom of God involves both following Jesus and making disciples. Our journey of discipleship is not isolated but interconnected with the call to make disciples of others.
As a team, Jesus and His disciples become agents of change. They lead people to experience the presence of the kingdom of God. The works of Jesus and His disciples make it possible for people to encounter the power of God’s kingdom in transformative ways. In a world yearning for hope and purpose, we are called to continue this mission of leading people to the life-changing presence of God’s kingdom.
Jesus leads with authority and compassion, while the disciples respond with immediate obedience. In their journey with Jesus, they not only witness His teachings but actively participate in the work of the kingdom. This reminds us that discipleship is not just about receiving; it’s about being actively involved in the mission of God.
When Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He invites us into the same transformative journey. We are called not just to be followers but to be active participants in making disciples. Our journey with Christ involves casting the net of His love and teachings to bring others into His fold.
Our journey with Christ begins with realizing our need for repentance, and God’s mercy graciously meets us as we seek and follow Jesus. When Christ calls us, may we follow and obey Him, trusting that His plans are greater than our own.
Jesus calls ordinary fishermen, implying that the transformative journey of following Christ is open to everyone, regardless of our background or weaknesses. May we follow His lead, actively participate in the work of the kingdom, and be intentional about making disciples. May our lives reflect the love and power of the kingdom, inviting others into the transformative journey of following Jesus.
As we reflect on the transformative journey of following Christ, let us respond with open hearts, ready to make disciples, embracing repentance, and trusting in the boundless mercy of our loving God. May our lives reflect the transformative power of Christ, and may we, too, become fishers of men for His glory.
Thanks be to God! Amen!
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)