Catholic Bible Study: Lectio Mark - “Come, Follow Behind Me”
Released on June 19, 2025 by Augustine Institute
Introduction
In the latest episode of Catholic Bible Study hosted by the Augustine Institute, renowned Catholic scholars delve into the Gospel of Mark, specifically focusing on Mark 1:16-2:12. Titled “Come, Follow Behind Me”, this lecture explores the immediate and dramatic calling of Jesus' first disciples, the confrontation with unclean spirits, the healing miracles, and the profound theological implications that underscore Jesus' mission as a new Elijah and the embodiment of God's compassion.
Calling of the First Disciples
Immediate Response to Jesus' Call
The episode begins with an analysis of Mark 1:16-20, where Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee and calls Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John to follow Him:
“And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” [00:03]
Speaker A emphasizes the immediacy of the disciples' response, contrasting Mark's succinct narrative with the more detailed accounts in Luke and John:
“Mark is saying, and we have to immediately answer his summons. If you delay at responding to the call of God, you can miss Christ passing by.” [00:16]
Discipleship as Following Behind
A deeper theological insight is presented on the metaphor of “passing by” and “following behind” Jesus, drawing parallels to the Old Testament prophets:
“Part of discipleship is letting Jesus lead the way. We have to get behind and follow.” [00:35]
Speaker A connects Jesus' actions to the prophetic tradition, likening Him to Elijah who called Elisha, and references Exodus to highlight Jesus as the new Yahweh:
“Jesus is picking up where Elijah left off... Jesus is taking the mantle of Yahweh as well, which is rather suggestive.” [01:10]
Confrontation with Unclean Spirits
Jesus’ Authority Over Demonic Forces
Transitioning to Mark 1:21-28, the discussion highlights Jesus teaching in the synagogue and confronting an unclean spirit:
“And immediately he called them... that he was a new teaching. And the idea of new is going to be very important.” [02:45]
Speaker A clarifies a common misunderstanding of the demon's proclamation:
“The demon is attacking Jesus. He is trying to exorcise Jesus.” [03:15]
Silencing the Demons
A critical analysis is provided on Jesus silencing the demon despite it acknowledging His divine nature:
“They are not confessing who Jesus really is. They are attacking.” [04:00]
This act demonstrates Jesus’ supreme authority:
“Jesus shows himself master, and he says silences them.” [04:30]
Healing Miracles in Capernaum
Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law
Moving to Mark 1:29-34, the episode discusses the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, emphasizing Jesus’ compassion:
“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him.” [05:20]
Speaker A explores the symbolic reversal where Jesus takes the place of the leper's isolation:
“Jesus embodies that now. And the leper is free to go openly, but Jesus can no longer openly enter a town.” [06:10]
Widespread Healing and Sabbath Controversy
The discussion then covers the mass healing at sundown and the ensuing conflict with the Pharisees:
“They all wait for Sabbath. But notice in the house, Jesus heals on the Sabbath.” [07:00]
Speaker A underscores the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities over Sabbath observance, setting the stage for future conflicts.
The Paralytic and the New Exodus
Building the Parallel to Exodus
In Mark 2:1-12, the narrative of the paralytic being lowered through the roof is examined:
“But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” [08:30]
Speaker A draws a direct parallel between Jesus’ declaration and God's declarations in Exodus:
“So that you may know is a phrase used in the story of the Exodus... but who is Jesus speaking to here? Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees.” [09:45]
Jesus as the New Moses and Pharaoh
The lecture illuminates how Jesus embodies a new Exodus, challenging the hard-hearted Pharisees akin to Pharaoh:
“He is clearly doing a new Exodus.” [10:15]
This establishes Jesus' role in fulfilling and surpassing Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating His divine authority to forgive sins and perform miracles.
Theological Insights and Conclusions
Speaker A reinforces the theme of obedience and discipleship, urging listeners to respond swiftly to God's call. The episode emphasizes Jesus' dual role as a compassionate healer and a powerful authority over both physical and spiritual realms.
“Jesus is God, and his presence is so powerful, his summons so inviting... He is the embodiment of God's compassion and authority.” [11:50]
The lecture concludes by highlighting Jesus’ mission to bring about a new spiritual era, echoing the prophetic promises of regathering and restoration found throughout the Scriptures.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” [00:03]
- “Mark is saying, and we have to immediately answer his summons. If you delay at responding to the call of God, you can miss Christ passing by.” [00:16]
- “Part of discipleship is letting Jesus lead the way. We have to get behind and follow.” [00:35]
- “Jesus is picking up where Elijah left off... Jesus is taking the mantle of Yahweh as well, which is rather suggestive.” [01:10]
- “The demon is attacking Jesus. He is trying to exorcise Jesus.” [03:15]
- “They are not confessing who Jesus really is. They are attacking.” [04:00]
- “Jesus shows himself master, and he says silences them.” [04:30]
- “Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him.” [05:20]
- “Jesus embodies that now. And the leper is free to go openly, but Jesus can no longer openly enter a town.” [06:10]
- “They all wait for Sabbath. But notice in the house, Jesus heals on the Sabbath.” [07:00]
- “But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” [08:30]
- “So that you may know is a phrase used in the story of the Exodus... but who is Jesus speaking to here? Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees.” [09:45]
- “He is clearly doing a new Exodus.” [10:15]
- “Jesus is God, and his presence is so powerful, his summons so inviting... He is the embodiment of God's compassion and authority.” [11:50]
Conclusion
This comprehensive study by the Augustine Institute offers a profound exploration of Jesus' early ministry as depicted in the Gospel of Mark. Through detailed exegesis and theological reflection, “Come, Follow Behind Me” elucidates the immediate call to discipleship, the confrontation with evil forces, and the establishment of Jesus as a new prophetic leader akin to Elijah and Moses. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the swift and obedient response to Jesus' call, embodying the true essence of discipleship through faith, prayer, and unwavering trust in His divine authority.
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