In this coursework I will be explaining about what Mark's Gospel tells us about discipleship.

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Discipleship Coursework

In this coursework I will be explaining about what Mark’s Gospel tells us about discipleship.

A disciple is someone who learns and follows a teacher and puts this teaching into practice. The first disciples were fishermen whilst others were tax collectors and Zealots. For them to follow Jesus was hard and challenging at times. They had to face poverty, leaving their families as well as persecution. They were taught by Jesus to preach and carry on Jesus’ mission after Jesus had gone.

Walking along Lake Galilee Jesus called upon four men. With his great power and charisma the men were instantly drawn in. they stopped what they were doing and followed Jesus. Jesus told them that he would help them to be fishers of men where they would catch all types of people.

Jesus calls Levi as he sees him along the shore of Lake Galilee. Jesus told him to follow and so he did. They had dinner together as well as other tax collectors and outcasts. Pharisees and teachers of the Law were amazed at Jesus eating with these people. Jesus replied by saying “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.” The disciples would’ve been upset at Jesus calling Levi, as he worked for the Romans and collected their taxes. Also he works on the day of Sabbath.

Two by two the disciples were sent out to preach. This was to prepare them for what they would have to do once Jesus had gone. They had been told to bring with them only a stick and a pair of sandals. They were told to leave behind bread, a beggar’s bag, money and an extra shirt. Jesus also instructed them to stay in one place. Doing all of this they have to rely on God to survive. The last thing Jesus instructed them to do was to shake the dust off their feet from the houses that didn’t welcome them. By doing this the disciples warn people that they could be left out of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus asks his disciples who he is. Peter answers, “You are the Messiah.” Peter goes from being the good disciple to becoming a failure. Jesus talks about how he will be rejected, out to death and will then rise to life. Peter takes him aside and clearly Jesus is unimpressed with what Peter says calling him Satan. Jesus tells the crowd and his disciples “If anyone wants to come with me, hw must forget self, carry his cross, and follow me…” What Jesus meant by this was to put others first and putting themselves last. When Jesus talks about carrying his cross he means that they will have to be prepared to give up their life. By Jesus saying follow me; he wants them to accept the Christian way of life and to follow Jesus’ life also.

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In the story of the boy with the Evil Spirit there is a contrast between the father and the disciples. In the story the father shows faith but the disciples lack faith, which is why they cannot heal the boy. Jesus tells the father, “…Everything is possible for the person who has faith.”(Mark 9:23) The father goes on to say “ I do have faith, but not enough. Help me to have more!” This is what the disciples should be as they lack faith. Here we are told that prayer is the key.

In Mark 9:33 Jesus asks his disciples ...

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