Listen

After going a little farther, he saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons, in their boat repairing the fishing nets. At that very moment he called them. They followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers.

Mark 1:19-20

Think

Someone somewhere must have thought kids needed a song to teach them the names of twelve of Jesus’ disciples. (If you don’t believe me, believe Google.) My memories of learning this song are fuzzy, but it’s crystal-clear “Zebedee” wasn’t on the list.

Why does the gospel writer name Zebedee? Familial relationships were a significant aspect of society and culture at the time, but why bother to name the disciples’ dad? The focus of the story is the calling of James and John. Isn’t Zebedee just a minor character?

Though he’s left in the family boat, Zebedee is a key figure in the calling of James and John. Zebedee likely taught them the scriptures before they could read. It was at his knee they learned the Sabbath blessings. Zebedee nurtured and nourished their faith. Zebedee isn’t called in this story, but he’s crucial to the calling of his children. He helped prepare them to listen and respond to their calling. There are people in our lives who nurture and nourish our faith. Let’s be thankful for them.

Jennie Barber

 Question to Ponder:

Who are the people who prepared you to hear the call of Jesus, who nurtured and nourished you?

Pray

Author of my story,

Thank you for the people who helped me hear your voice.

For each of these faithful ones, I give you thanks.

May their faithfulness be an example to me as I help others to see you.

Amen.

Go

Listen with your whole self.

Listen with your ears as God’s voice comes through the unexpected.

Listen with your hands as you share and receive the Spirit’s gifts.

Listen with your heart as it beats to the rhythms of God’s love.

Listen with your feet as you walk with Jesus today.