Jesus called a crowd to him along with his disciples and said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross and follow me.” The cost of discipleship’s threefold. To deny ‘self’ means Jesus’ followers must always put other people’s needs before their own. Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” They must be honest, resist temptation. Learn to say no and love others which may lead to making sacrifices for them. Christian disciples should put their own needs and wishes last. To ‘take up your cross’ has two different explanations, spiritual and literal. The spiritual meaning is that if you become a disciple you must be willing to undergo crucifixion and suffering and be prepared to die on the cross for your faith. ‘Crosses’ may have a more spiritual meaning in that discipleship involves responsibilities. ‘Follow me’ means that disciples must follow in Jesus’ footsteps, it may include suffering and dying but it will lead to sharing in his resurrection and glory.
Jesus did not choose wealthy or influential men to be his disciples. They were just ordinary men among them were fisherman, a tax collector and a zealot. Most were poor and uneducated with no social position. Sometimes they lacked faith, misunderstood Jesus, and had no courage. Yet Jesus knew that underneath the surface they were good men and had the potential to be his disciples. He saw their true qualities. He could take their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. The Poor Widow is a good example of true discipleship as she put everything she had into the offertory. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out all of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on.” Discipleship means we must be willing and committed to give up everything for God and rely on him for survival, just like the poor widow. Marks tell us that the Rich Young Man lacked this commitment. Jesus asked him, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But he could not sacrifice his wealth and power for God. True discipleship means a willingness to give up everything.
Mark does not hide the disciple’s weaknesses. He wanted to show they were normal men who at times failed in understanding, faith and courage. Jesus taught that true discipleship meant serving others. At the request of James and John, Jesus had to explain the true meaning of discipleship. Discipleship is not about who is greatest but to put others first in all things. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” In the Garden of Gethsemane Peter, James and John fell asleep three times after Jesus had continuously asked them to keep watch. He was disappointed in them, they wanted to stay awake put their bodies couldn’t. He said, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Discipleship means having complete faith and trust in Jesus regardless of the cost.
Jesus uses a little child as an example of true discipleship because they have total trust in Jesus. Jesus meant that we must be like a child who puts their complete trust in a parent. To be a disciple we must be dependant on God in the same way. A child is open and receptive to the word of God, we must follow these qualities.
The disciples most dramatic failing in their duty to Jesus was the denial of Peter on the night before Jesus died. Jesus told them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” Peter replied, “I will not. Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Only a few hours later Peter broke his promise to Jesus and denied knowing him saying, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” The cock crowed twice just as Jesus had said earlier, “Before the cock crows twice you will disown me three times”. Peter fell to his knees and wept. Yet Jesus forgave him. True discipleship involves having the courage and strength to continue, even if you have failed.
Faith and prayer is what helped the disciples survive without that they would have never become disciples.
Discipleship involves commitment, sacrifice, rejection and even death. However there are rewards like eternal life. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth no one who has left brothers and sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in the present age and in the age to come, eternal life.”
In the final chapter of Mark’s Gospel Jesus gives his last instructions, the commission to the disciples. These instructions are the same for anyone who wants to become a Christian in future generations. Jesus said, “Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus forgave the disciples for not believing him that he had raised from the dead. He sent them out to preach, teach, to heal and encourage Christians to join the church. The Commission is for all nations. It involves sacrifice, commitment and possibly death. Yet true disciples imitate the life of Christ.