Explain the meaning of discipleship for the first disciples and for disciples today.

The selection of the disciples seems very strange as none of the disciples have ever met Jesus before, but all seem to trust Jesus and follow him. This shows that Jesus has some sort of authority over them as they follow him immediately. The disciples also show great sacrifice as they leave behind homes, families and possessions for a man they hardly knew. This really shows the dedication that the disciples had and needed to become a disciple.

Jesus appointed twelve disciples which is a significant number as it represents the twelve tribes of Israel. After Jesus had chosen all the disciples, they were told to meet him on top of a mountain. This is where they were told he was making them apostles, which means 'one who is sent'. This is where Jesus gave them authority over demons and the ability to speak in foreign languages.

Jesus later on sends the twelve on a mission and tells them:

"Take nothing for the journey except a staff-no bread, no bag and no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town, and if any place will not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet."

They were told this because Jesus wanted the apostles to rely totally on other people and have faith in God that they will be provided with what they need. They were told, to shake the dust from their feet when leaving a house that didn't welcome them. This was a tradition that the Jews used when crossing the border into their own country, it was so that the holy land wasn't being contaminated by gentile dust.

Jesus tells the disciples about the cost of discipleship, which is putting God first in your life with the commandments also. Jesus also told them that the most important commandment is "Love God and your neighbour as yourself" which has been practised since today by disciples throughout the world. Jesus also says:

"If anyone would come after me, they must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me,"

This meaning one must deny themselves and accept poverty by putting themselves last, they also must have no desire for material things. The meaning of 'take up his cross' is referring to the fact that we all have a cross to bear, and should follow Jesus regardless of all distractions that may confront us.

In Mark we are also told there are great rewards for embracing discipleship:

"I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or their family for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in the present age, and in the age to come eternal life,"

This shows that it is worth making sacrifice, as you will greatly be rewarded in the kingdom of God.

The meaning of a disciple has changed a lot since Jesus first chose the twelve apostles. Anyone who calls him or herself a Christian is in a way a modern disciple. One of the most important teachings is the cost of discipleship and how we must sacrifice our lives for God. This is virtually non-existent in today's society apart from few people who devote their lives to God such as priests and people in religious orders. These people are required to turn their backs on wealth and families to devote themselves fully to God. Also the mission which was very important to the twelve disciples still has a place in today's society. There are Christian organisations such as Cafod that in a modern way fulfil the task of the mission. These kinds of groups are very important, as it is their main priority to help those in poverty.

In today's society it has also become extremely hard to be a disciple as there are many barriers that will lie in the way. It would be extremely hard to follow the example set by the first disciples as the world and societies that we live in have changed so much since the time of Jesus, the methods of teachings that they practiced would have little effect on the people of today. It is seen in today's society whether it be people in town centres or people coming to your home that the 'fishing of men' mission that Jesus spoke of to his disciples just does not work in today's modern society. A practising disciple also may face ridicule and abuse due to their faith. These are examples of why people may be put off from following their beliefs. There are still people though who succeed in becoming a modern day disciple such as Mother Theresa of Calcutta. This is a person who has totally dedicated her life to what she believes and is proof that if a person's faith is strong enough, social attitudes will not interfere with their life as a disciple of God.