This shows that the disciples had the ability to make a big sacrifice. They were able to leave their homes, jobs, families and obligations. This showed courage, trust and faith in Jesus, who at this time was no more than a stranger, it also displayed that they were prepared to face the unknown with bravery and courage.
Another passage which is relevant is ‘Jesus calls Levi’ (2: 13-17). This is a passage similar to Jesus calls four fishermen. Jesus had returned to the shore of Lake Galilee and as he was walking along he spotted the tax-collecting outcast Levi. He said to him, “Follow me” and at once Levi got up and followed him.
Levi has shown the same qualities as the four fishermen and he has also had to change himself to follow Jesus, he had to do this to be able to work with the other disciples, as he was a hated tax-collector, however the other disciples had to change to accept Levi. This shows that the disciples had to be willing to accept new people and new ideas and that they had the willingness to change themselves to be non-prejudice and more like Jesus.
The next extract, I have chosen is ‘The Rich Young Man’ (10: 17-31). In this extract Jesus was approached by a rich young man who asked him what he must do to receive eternal life. Jesus told him to follow the Ten Commandments and when it became evident that he did, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor and follow him. The young man left disheartened as he was very rich.
This shows that not everybody could be disciples and highlights the qualities of selflessness and willing ness to follow Jesus and awareness that money and riches could separate them from God. The disciples were able to give up everything unlike the young man and we should learn that this is a part of the nature of being a disciple.
In the following section, I will examine what is known as ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ (8: 34-38). Jesus had called a crowd to him and told them, “If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget self, carry his cross and follow me [Jesus].”
What Jesus meant by ‘Forget self’ was to disregard your own interests and put other people before you. To carry one’s cross would be to be willing to bear the burdens of Christianity, disciples sometimes had to face rejection, be insulted and even put to death. By following Jesus they would have to do so regardless of the dangers and consequences, they had to be loyal and face difficult times with Jesus and not abandon him. To do these things, the disciples showed great courage, commitment, selflessness and they were willing to sacrifice their own needs.
The next episode I have selected shows that the disciples weren’t perfect and you don’t need to be flawless to follow Jesus. A passage that highlights this well is ‘Peter Denies Jesus’ (14: 66-72). Jesus had been arrested and was being questioned in the High Priest’s house, and Peter was waiting outside in the courtyard warming himself by a fire. He was asked was he was with Jesus of Nazareth but he denied it, he was questioned a further two times but he still denied knowing Jesus. Just as he denied Jesus for the third time, a cock crew and Peter remember Jesus’ prediction and he ran off and wept.
Peter, understandably enough, has shown fear and a lack of courage. He has been disloyal and showed a lack of true friendship. This was a very hard time for Peter and he has failed but he remained the chief disciple. This shows that to follow Jesus you need not be perfect and though you may fail from time to time Jesus understands and forgives. Disciples don’t have to be infallible.
After analysis of the passage above I have come to the following conclusions about the nature of discipleship: disciples either today or in the time of Jesus need many qualities; most of all courage, commitment, faith, trust, willingness to leave everything, selflessness, and conviction to name but a few, however as Peter shows us sometimes we fail but this is alright, none of us are perfect and God doesn’t expect us to be, so even if we do fall short, we can still be welcomed as a follower of Christ.
(949 words)
