Discussion Guide: The Gospel of Mark 1:14-20 - The Kingdom at Hand
Small Group Discussion Guide
Mark 1:14–20 — “The Kingdom at Hand”
“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’ … And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’” — Mark 1:14–20 (ESV)
Session Theme
When John’s ministry ends, Jesus’ begins. The forerunner is imprisoned, but the Messiah steps onto the stage declaring, “The time is fulfilled.” From rejection in Nazareth to the dawn of light in Galilee, Jesus calls ordinary people to an extraordinary mission — to follow Him and bring others into the Kingdom that is both present and coming.
Opening (5–8 minutes)
Icebreaker:
Share a moment when a door in your life closed but God opened another one in a way you didn’t expect.
Opening Prayer:
Ask God to help the group hear His voice as clearly as the first disciples heard Jesus’ call.
Scripture Reading (5 minutes)
Have two participants read Mark 1:14–20 aloud in different translations (ESV and NIV or NRSV).
Encourage everyone to listen for:
A word or phrase that stands out
A question that arises
Background Context (Leader Notes)
Transition of Ministry: After John’s arrest (Matt. 14:3–12), Jesus begins His public ministry. John decreases so that Christ may increase.
Rejection in Nazareth: Jesus first preached in His hometown but was threatened with death (Luke 4:16–30). He then moved to Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that light would dawn in “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Matt. 4:13–16).
Capernaum’s Importance: A busy trade hub between Jewish and Gentile territories — perfect for spreading the message of the Kingdom (Taylor, Lexham Commentary).
The Message: “The time is fulfilled” — not a season ending, but a divine moment arriving. The Kingdom has broken into the present through Jesus.
The Call: Jesus chooses fishermen — ordinary workers — to become “fishers of men,” echoing Jeremiah 16:14–16’s prophecy of a greater exodus and spiritual deliverance.
Discussion Questions (35–40 minutes)
1. The Shift in Seasons
Why do you think Jesus waited until John’s arrest to begin His ministry?
How does this show God’s perfect timing in fulfilling His plan (“the fullness of time” – Gal. 4:4)?
Have you ever experienced God’s timing arriving later or earlier than you expected?
2. The Message: “The Kingdom Is at Hand”
What does “the time is fulfilled” mean to you in light of God’s promises through Scripture?
How is the Kingdom of God both “already here” and “still coming”?
How does this truth shape the way we live and interact with others daily?
3. Repent and Believe
Why do you think Jesus’ first command was “repent”?
How is His message different from John’s baptism of repentance?
What does it mean to “believe the gospel” — not just mentally, but practically?
4. The Call to Follow
Why does Jesus call fishermen first — and how does their profession reflect their new mission?
What does the phrase “I will make you become fishers of men” teach about discipleship as process and transformation?
What have you “left behind” (or might need to leave) in order to follow Jesus more fully?
5. The Kingdom in Us
Jesus said the Kingdom is within us (Luke 17:21). How does this change your view of daily life and work?
How can your home, job, or community become a place where the Kingdom is seen and felt?
Life Application (10 minutes)
Repentance: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you need to turn back toward God this week.
Belief: Speak out loud one area where you are choosing to believe God’s promises even before you see results.
Mission: Identify one person in your life who may be “near the Kingdom” — pray for a way to share the good news.
Prayer Focus (5–8 minutes)
Pray through these themes together:
Thank God for His perfect timing and ongoing Kingdom work.
Invite the Spirit to renew your heart with repentance and belief.
Ask for courage to follow Jesus fully and to become “fishers of men” in your spheres of influence.
Key Takeaway
Jesus doesn’t just call us to believe in the Kingdom — He calls us to carry it. The time is still fulfilled, and His Kingdom still advances through His people today.
Connections
Matthew 4:12–22 — Jesus’ move to Capernaum and the calling of the first disciples
Luke 4:16–31; 5:1–11 — Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth and the miraculous catch of fish
John 1:35–51 — Early encounters with Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael
Jeremiah 16:14–16 — The prophecy of “fishers” gathering God’s people
Memory Verse
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” — Mark 1:15 (ESV)
