During the Gospel Jesus continues teaching the disciples. In Mark 6:7-13 we learn what Jesus wants of his disciples. He orders then to “take nothing except your staff … wear sandals but not an extra tunic” Jesus intentions for this may have been to help the disciples be free of worldly treasures, and possibly highlight to them the more important things in life. By taking nothing they were in a sense freeing themselves from lets say the worry and burden of looking after their possessions. They were leaving behind all the superficial insignificant things, and were now more able to concentrate on what really mattered. By going out with only the bare necessities, they would be more understanding of people in others situations, and have a better appreciation of the small things in life.
Jesus shows to the twelve the cost of discipleship. (Mark 8:34-28) “If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” These lines are one of the central themes to discipleship. Although, “Deny himself” must not be confused with denying our personhood or harming ourselves with extreme deprivation. Instead, here Jesus explains that for you to be a follower you must stop being egocentric and be altruistic. The disciples need to remove themselves as their central thoughts and start thinking of what they can do to help other people. (Although in slight contrast, sum fundamentalist interpret the text to mean we deny the fact that we own ourselves, and must submit to the authority of God and here Jesus.) Simultaneously, along with being selfless, they must be prepared to carry the burden of living life in that way. As living in that way is not easy, from what it requires of the disciple. The disciple himself must be disciplined and execute self control. He must also be prepared to deal with the society and bigoted views of others looking down on, and trying to hinder his work. In the same breath, Jesus adds to his previous words stating “What good is it for a man to gain the world but forfeit his soul. Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul.” Here Jesus highlights the sheer value of our souls, stating that no amount of worldly wealthy can amount to that of the soul. Jesus could have also included this to show that how important your morality is and using your soul. As nothing in the world is worth your soul, then possibly he could also mean that carrying out actions to please your soul at the same time God is what will what will bring you true worthwhile rewards and happiness.
The previous point is emphasized in Mark 10: 28-31 "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Jesus made sure the twelve realised that being a disciple did not come without the burden of the cross, but he also enlightened them into the glorious rewards. He states that for those who do the good work, they will receive their rewards both now and later. By rewards Jesus could be referring to anything, I personally believe that the part of the rewards is the self satisfaction of doing good deeds and the chance to grow spiritually that they were given.
In addition to telling the disciples to be altruistic and that those who give up all they have for the church will be rewarded he showed them an example. (Mark 12:43-44) "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything— The all she had to live on." The ‘poor widow’ gave up all she had for the church. She was both being selfless and helping God’s church.
