Explain what a study of st.marks gospel cantell Christians about the nature of discipleship

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Explain what a study of st.marks gospel can tell Christians about the nature of discipleship

Discipleship means you are excepting Gods will. It involves putting others before you and relying completely on God. You must be willing to sacrifice everything. This means you must have a strong connection with God and must be willing to struggle through all obstacles. You do not need to be rich or highly ranked in society. The disciples Jesus chose were not from these backgrounds and were not from similar backgrounds. I intend on examining the nature of the disciples Jesus chose by writing about how they showed this nature.

The first to be called were Peter and Andrew. When Jesus called them they immediately left all behind and went with him. “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people. At once they left their nets and went with him.” They left their lives behind for Jesus. Not all responded to this message as well for example the rich young man “When the man heard this, gloom spread over his face, and he went away very sad, because he was very rich.” He let his wealth bar him from his religion. This shows that in order to be a disciple you must be able to trust God and make an immediate decision without hesitation. This is the true nature of discipleship.

Jesus gave the first disciples a mission. “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to the whole human race.” He called twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. Jesus gave them authority over evil and he told them to travel light depending on the hospitality of towns they visited. This shows they were meant to help Jesus spread the good news. This story shows if you place complete trust in God you will be saved. The nature of discipleship means fulfilling the mission God gave them.

The first disciples also had to ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

The first disciples also had to make many sacrifices. The best example of self sacrifice in Marks gospel was displayed by the poor widow. “Then a poor little widow dropped in two copper coins. I tell you this poor widow gave more because the others gave what they had to spare but she gave all she had.” This was an example the disciples were to follow by making many personal sacrifices and by enduring much suffering. In Marks gospel we are told the rewards of discipleship. We are told they will receive eternal life and their lives will achieve a value possessions could never give. This shows us through sacrifice we see the nature of discipleship.

Jesus’ teaching on the importance of prayer is best seen in the story of boy with an evil spirit “Only prayer can drive this kind out, nothing else can”. This story illustrates the commitment of relatives (the father) who had total belief that Jesus could heal him “I believe help my unbelief”. The disciples did not have enough faith and only prayer could cure him. This shows prayer is essential to discipleship and that through prayer the disciples achieved a close relationship with God. The nature of discipleship involves prayer.

Discipleship is as important for Christians today as it was for the first disciples of Jesus. True discipleship is not something that can be done in a half-hearted way. To Christians, it means giving all that they have in the service of God and of other people. Jesus taught us that a person who commits everything they have to the service of God, however little that might be is more precious to God than someone who has great ability and resources, but is less committed. Real Christian discipleship requires total commitment. On completion it promises complete happiness with God in Eternal life. This is the true nature of discipleship.

By Damian Mc Gloin