The disciples had to be selfless and be prepared to sacrifice. This is most clearly shown in the commission. The disciples were to be sent off in pairs for safety, to preach repentance, cast out demons and anoint and cure the sick. They left their lives behin. When the rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to enter the kingdom of Heaven, Jesus tells him to obey the commandments. The man then tells Jesus he has done so since he was a achild so Jesus tells him he must sell eveerything, give it to the poor and follow Jesus. The rich man goes away very sad because he is very rich and Jesus tells the disciples, ‘It is much harder for a arich person to enter the kingdom of god then for a camel to go through the eye of a needle’ (Mark10: 17-21)
Finally, St.Mark’s Gospel can tell Christians that a disciple must be tolerant, caring for others, be prepared to cast out demons and heal the sick. A disciple must have control. Jesus says, ‘Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all’ (Mark 9:35)
A study of Mark’s Gospel can tell Christians a lot about the nature of discipleship it is a service to Jesus. Just as Christianity a lot about the nature of discipleship it is a service to Jesus. Just as Christianity demands commitment and many Christians today are called to commit their whole lives to God a disciple must show the same qualities to be a follower of Jesus carrying the cross. St.Mark’s Gospel tells us disciplkeship involves faith, commitment, trust, sacrifice and humility. ‘If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget self, carry his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever wants to lose his life for me and for the gospel will save it. Does a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not.’ (Mark 8:34-36)
Suffering can be a part but the reward is eternal life.
AO2
Explain how this teaching about discipleship might affect the life of a Christian today
There are many Christians at the present. Some people only believe that bishops, priests or vicars are real disciples, but every true Christian, could be a follower of Jesus. People today could sacrifice something for the good like giving to the poor and giving things to charity shops, people could also work in charity shops, and people can serve.
This teaching about disciples if it were put into practice would affect the world in a great way. But the passage, ‘But many now who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first,’ would not be possible in today’s modern society because people are greedy and hardly sacrifice a thing for good. But if everybody put the above passage into practice and peopole believed in service and sacrifice and accepting outcasts the world would be how Jesus desired.
If people today tried to do what the disciples did, they would find it hard. These days’s people have so little time and giving up their homes and all their wealth would just not happen. People’s homes for example mean a lot more to people than they did in Jesus’ time. People have worked a lot harder for their homes and wealth. Homes cost cost much more than homes did then. People value their possessions much more.
In our everday lives as children.adults, workers and families we can communicate with God. Through church, prayer, priests, and by fulfilling the sacraments we can be at one with God at any time.
AO3
“ You don’t have to go to church to be a good Christian” Do you agree? Give reasons for your opion, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view.
I don’t agree to the statement because I believe that, going to church doesn’t make you a christian, so I think its reasonableto say that not going to church doesn’t make you not a christian either. However the bible does command us to go to church and fellowship with other believers.
The bible speaks of God’s great love for the church, they are HIS Churches, there to serve and bring glory to him in a lost world, and they arte the body of Christ. This is why it is good for a Christian to be a part of it. Some people don’t think its necessary for a Christian to go to church, because ‘you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian’. Perhaps they have got the wrong message that being a christian is all about going to church, and doing these kind of religious things rather than simple trust in God through Jesus. I believe what is right is somewhere in between.
From what scriptures say of the church, its good for you as a Christian to be part of a church. The Church is useful for so many things, mainly to give glory to God, and be part of a visible body of Christ.
