The Calling of the Disciples

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Question 1

Introduction

The word ‘disciple’ can be interpreted in different ways. It can be interpreted in a Christian way or in a general way. In Christian terms, the word ‘disciple’ means ‘a follower of Christ.’ In general terms, it derives from the Latin word ‘disciplus,’ which means ‘leader.’

A disciple should, above all, have faith, like the man from the parable ‘The Epileptic Boy’ did (Mk 9:24). The qualities necessary to be a disciple are constantly emphasised throughout Mark’s Gospel. They include humility, love for children, have fidelity and receive the Kingdom of God like a child. It is also important that a follower is a servant of all.

The disciples follow their teacher. In the case of Jesus, Jesus was the rabbi (teacher) and the disciples were his students. The rabbi and his students would have been quite close and perhaps friends. They would have trust in each other, due to the fact that there were many other rabbis about who were available to teach. The rabbi may also expect some sort of financial support. It would be expected that the teacher would be an expert in Tenkah (the first part of the Old Testament) and the Taurus (the first five books of the Bible).

The Calling of the Disciples

In the parable ‘The Calling of the Disciples’ in Mark’s Gospel, Simon, Andrew, James and John were greeted by Jesus whilst they were fishing. Jesus instructed them to come with him, and they did so immediately-James and John even left their father Zebedee. The Calling of the Disciples meant that people should leave everything to follow Jesus and the Gospel. The four men had an immediate response to Jesus’ request-they left everything, such as their families and businesses. We not know if any of the disciples were married, but it is evident that they ...

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The Calling of the Disciples

There were different kinds of disciples, from Mark’s Gospel there is evidence of four:

12 main disciples called Apostles
70 close disciples and helpers
A group of women who were committed to Jesus
Ordinary people who varied in commitment, such as Blind Bartimaeus.

Mission of the Disciples

In ‘Mission of the Disciples’ in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus instructs the disciples to go out in pairs and bring nothing but a haversack (begging bag). Their mission was to preach repentance, cast out many devils and to anoint many sick people with oil and cure them. Jesus told them to wear sandals and not to take a spare tunic.

The intention of this parable is to show that the disciples had nothing to rely on except God. They had nothing but a begging bag and sandals. They could only stay in the first place that they were welcomed and it was therefore essential that they had trust and faith in God.

The Costs and Rewards of Discipleship

According to ‘Cost of Discipleship’ in Mark’s Gospel a person must ‘renounce himself and take up his cross’ in order to follow Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus would have meant risking your life, being unpopular, being an outcast, suffering and making enemies. Both Jews and Romans hated disciples of Jesus.

In the parable ‘Reward of Discipleship,’ Jesus explains that anyone who dedicates their life to him will be rewarded in this life and in the next and it could therefore be said that the disciples, such as James and Jon, were looking for a particular political reward on Earth.

Human Strengths and Weaknesses of Disciples

In many ways the disciples were great leaders. Peter was a great leader who recognised who Jesus was, and he gave up everything to follow him. Many also gave their lives for Jesus, such as Stephen.

But some did not understand Jesus. Peter was called Satan by Jesus and he denied Jesus when the cock crowed twice. All of the disciples, except Peter, ran away from Jesus when they knew that he was in trouble and they were not there were Jesus rose again. Perhaps the women, therefore, were closer to Jesus.

Conclusion

It is evident, from Mark’s Gospel, that discipleship was not easy and not a decision to be taken lightly. The Rich Young Man in Mark’s Gospel had to think about it-maybe that is a sign to the World. It seems that being a disciple, in this life, had few advantages, but many disadvantages. It is therefore necessary to believe that being a disciple of Jesus means a reward after death.