What can a study of Mark's Gospel tell us about discipleship?

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Victoria Martin S1A Sister Yvonne

What can a study of Mark’s Gospel tell us about discipleship?

A disciple is someone who believes in and helps to spread the teachings of another. Jesus chose his disciples by picking them out from his followers. The disciples were chosen for three main reasons,

to be trained for the task of sharing in Jesus’ mission,
to be the first group of followers who would bring others into the community, and
to be the ones to continue Jesus’ mission when he had gone.

Jesus often taught the disciples in private and there he explained his teaching in great depth for them, when they were alone Jesus also taught them what it means to be a disciple.

When Jesus was choosing the disciples he had to be careful of who to choose, because Jesus chose twelve and made them apostles, they were then preachers and had the power and authority to drive out demons. Jesus chose twelve disciples, this might have been symbolic because in the old testament Jacob, who was one of the great patriarchs of the Jewish faith, had twelve sons who then became founders of the twelve tribes of Israel and so Jesus choosing twelve disciples may have been a suggestion to all the Jewish people that he had been sent for them by God.

Discipleship is an important subject in Mark’s gospel, and the story of ‘the widow at the treasury’ is a good example of true discipleship. In this story it tells us of how many rich people were coming and giving large amounts of their money to the treasury but when a poor widow threw in just two copper coins she was being a better disciple because she had given all she had, and while the others “gave out their wealth; she gave out her poverty.” Jesus teaches that the story shows that someone who commits everything to God is more precious ...

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Jesus warned his disciples that life would be hard because of their work for god and because of Jesus’ own work he would end up with suffering and death. Jesus knew this because he was aware that his popularity and work was seen as a threat by his enemies. Disciples had to be prepared to suffer for their beliefs. Modern Christians believe that they are disciples of Jesus and believe that it is important to learn Jesus’ teachings and to put them into practice in daily life. In their eyes Jesus was a good example of the life god wanted the people to live. Jesus said “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me the Gospel will save it.” In that quote Jesus is talking to the people who don’t follow him because they fear the costs it will have. This means that rather then saving their life they risk losing their eternal life.

The disciples where sent out on a mission by Jesus to go out and spread the faith. Before they were sent out Jesus gave them very strict instructions. They instructions fell into two categories of what the disciple were allowed to take and what they weren’t allowed.

They could take: a walking stick

a pair of sandals

They could not take food

a bag

money

another coat

These instructions may seem a bit ruthless but Jesus wanted the disciples to travel light as it was a long journey that they were travelling. Also by taking little things with them they would gain knowledge to depend more on God and the kindness of other people. An important part of being a disciple is that they have to be prepared to depend on God and his judgement. Also among the instructions that Jesus gave out he told the disciples where they should stay on their journey.

If they were offered accommodation they would stay there until it was time to move on to another area
If the disciple’s message was not accepted or welcomed then the disciples were to move on to another town and shake the dust from the previous town off their feet.

There were three reasons for Jesus sending the disciples out on this mission. They were:

To tell people that they should repent their sins and turn back to God.
To drive out evil spirits.
To anoint sick people with oil and heal them.

Jesus teaches us that those people unequivocally decide to follow God and a Christian way of life will be rewarded many times in their lifetime. The greatest reward that can be received is the promise from Jesus for eternal life.

So in a conclusion a study of Mark’s Gospel teaches us that in a way every Christian is a disciple by spreading the word of God either by word of mouth or even in a religion class in school. Discipleship is a part of life for Christians and Mark’s gospel shows that clearly. In today’s world people aren’t called disciples but we refer to them as missionaries, and although the teachings have changed the lessons are still the same and they are all as relevant as they were when Jesus taught them.