'What can a study of St Mark's Gospel tell Christians about what it means to be a disciple'

Discipleship plays a big role in Mark's Gospel. It is important for Christians today as it was for the first disciples. Just because society has changed doesn't mean discipleship must change as well. A true disciple is someone who gives there full service to God is not done in a half - hearted way.

In discipleship there are four main stages. The first is responsive. This is shown in Mark 1:20, when the first four disciples immediately left everything including their families to follow Jesus.

The next is misunderstanding. This when the disciples had no faith in Jesus and doubted. This shows that even though were disciples we are still humans and make mistakes, not everyone is perfect.

The third is failure. Jesus many times put his trust in his disciples but they always seem to let him down. An example of this is Peter's denial (14:66- 71).

Peter denied Jesus because he knew there would be serious consequences but realised what he did afterwards and broke down.

The last stage is reinstatement. After Jesus died the disciples thought there was nothing left for them to do but he then sent them on the Commission. Just because Jesus is not on earth doesn't mean Christians can't spread his teachings.

Christians have to accept the Kingdom of God and have a child like attitude. In 10:15 Jesus said 'I assure you whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child.' This means you should acknowledge God in a trusting way in which children respond to love.

As you already know being a disciple is not going to be straightforward. There are going to be things you will like and things that you're not very fond of. To be a disciple you have to be prepared for what every comes your way. In Mark 8:35- 8 Jesus' explains regarding suffering and death. He tells his disciples they must 'deny self, to take up the cross and follow him.' This all means to be a disciple you must put others needs before your own. This includes charity or volunteer work, help someone less fortunate than you. This clearly the message in Mark 12:41- 44 Widow at the Treasury. You should always give what you have not what you have spare. This is why Jesus praised the widow, because she still helped others when she was in need of help herself.

Furthermore the most important thing is to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal saviour. Prime examples of this are:

Mother Teresa

Archbishop Oscar Romero

Both these disciples committed their whole life to the will of God. Unfortunately Oscar Romero was assassinated because he spoke out about injustice.

By obeying the will of God and follow in Jesus' footsteps you will be rewarded exceedingly.

All the things I have listed above is your co - operation to being a disciple, the rest is left to Jesus. If you do all these things you will receive the greatest reward ever which is eternal life. You'll benefit a closer relationship with God as well. The only way you can do this is through prayer, you communicating with God. Also a hundred times more families, fields and houses but persecutions as well. If your willing to be a disciple than your willing to give up your life for Christ. There's no point being a disciple thinking there won't be any consequences because there are people out there who will discriminate against you just because of your faith.