The fifth apostle was called Levi. Levi was a tax collector, because Levi made a new start to a new life he changed his name to Matthew. The last seven apostles were choose on a mountain.
The twelve apostles were called to spread the good news, and Jesus knew he was going to die, so that was another good reason to pick his apostles. The twelve could continue to spread the good news after he had returned to his father in heaven.
The mission of the Gospel was when Jesus sent out the twelve apostles to preach, cast and cure them. The apostles had to do these under strict rules. They had to take nothing with them, take no food, no bags, no money, wear no sandals and take no extra coats. They also had to stay in the house that welcomed you until you leave the district. If you were not to welcomed you had to shake the dust of your feet and leave. This proved that the apostles could live just by believing and having faith in god.
In the rich young man story, a young man wanted eternal life. Jesus told him to leave everything and follow him, but the young man couldn’t. The meaning of this is that people receive the call of Jesus but cant give up everything they have for him. This is because they are so attached to their own belongings. To become a true discipleship you have to make many sacrifices, especially giving up all that you have.
In the widows offering, lots of rich people put coins into the offering but a young widow came along and put in two coins. This was everything the widow had. The rich only put in what they had to spare but the widow put in all she had. The meaning of this is to give up what you have and not what you have to spare.
‘Who is the greatest?’ is when Jesus predicts his death three times. The first time was when they were on their way to Jerusalem. The next time was on the same journey to Jerusalem. The third time gives Mark an opportunity to tell us that at this point the apostles were afraid.
The rewards of being a disciple is going to heaven and receiving eternal life.
Summary
Some people are called to leave everything and follow Jesus regardless of cost. A disciple will do the will of god and put him/herself last in all things. Being a disciple means being prepared to follow Jesus, which can involve suffering, rejection and death. You can receive eternal life if you are a true disciple and a true disciple will imitate Jesus’ life and continue his work when he returns to his father.