The dictionary definition of disciple is 'one who believes in the teaching of another,' and in the text book 'Mark: A Gospel for Today' it states 'a disciple is a student or a follower.'

Authors Avatar

AN ESSAY ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP

The dictionary definition of disciple is ‘one who believes in the teaching of another,’ and in the text book ‘Mark: A Gospel for Today’ it states ‘a disciple is a student or a follower.’ Jesus had twelve apostles, meaning “messenger”, and they will take Jesus’ message to people of all nations. The number of disciples, twelve, corresponds to the number of tribes that founded Israel. The new Israel they are to establish will be Gods kingdom on Earth.

Jesus’ message, “the kingdom of God has arrived. You must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news,” shows the kingdom of God is for everyone that repents. This is shown as the twelve disciples were formed from all walks of life; had flaws and were not free of sin and represented that Israel, organized into twelve tribes of the people of God is no more and that these twelve mixed men could represent that new Israel is for everyone. Furthermore, the disciples being ordinary, average people meant they could relate and communicate with the people better.

Join now!

The first story of Mark we learn of the disciples is the calling of the fishermen. Jesus uses vocation to call Simon and his brother Andrew, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” and immediately they respond, “They left their nets and followed him.” We can see from this that a disciple must have obedience and sacrifice.

The story of Levi the Tax Collector, known as Matthew the disciple, shows the disciples were from different backgrounds because tax collectors were despised and hated by “good” Jews because he worked for the enemy, the Romans. Jesus ...

This is a preview of the whole essay