‘ Jesus calls the Four Fisher-men’, ‘ “Come with me and I will teacher you to catch people” then at once they left their nets and went with them’ this shows the real charisma Jesus had and the real nature of discipleship and sets and example for us as disciples of how our loyalty to god comes first and how we should drop everything as nothing is more important.
The 12 disciples are just normal people and they have weaknesses, this tells us that it is ok and everyone can go to heaven even if you aren’t perfect as Jesus turn our weaknesses into strengths. The twelve disciples seemed like strange choices they all suffered Matthew was a social outcasts others had to a hard way of living . It is shown that our Apostles also have failing and guides them. In Jesus calms the storm when the apostles panic when the waves spill over the boat Jesus gets annoyed and asks about them not having faith but does not abandoned them because of their weaknesses as every human makes mistakes. Also even when Peter, who is seen as one of the closest of apostles denies Jesus, Jesus still says he is going to be in heaven with him. As Jesus understands that he was frightened and it was a failing but he forgives.
Also the gospel tells us that we should not seek special recognition, this is told in the story of ‘The Request of James and John’, when James and John ask who is going to sit on the right hand and who on the left and Jesus says that they should not be worrying about things like this it is not important as if you truly want to be great it should be you serving others and you will then be first. This links in with the ‘washing of disciples feet’.
The widow’s offering is a story which shows how discipleship should be led, the widow who had nothing gave everything she had to live on and rich people dropped a lot of money but the widow gave more than anyone else as she gave her complete trust and even though she really doesn’t have a lot to offer and what she gives is what she was living on she trusts god will look after her. This is more valuable than any money that the rich people had given. She had completely committed herself to God.
Disciples have to deal with the suffering that will come with being a disciple and it will not be easy. It will be tough and faith will be tested, half way through the ministry Jesus warns that work for God could end in death, they have to prepared and accept this.
‘Jesus called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, “if anyone would me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” To deny himself this now reinforces the idea that you must serve others and put others needs first. Christians disciples must put their own needs and wishes last. Taking up the cross means that Christians are likely to suffer and be persecuted for their belief. This is hard for a human and humans do have weaknesses. Many Christians at that time may have had to face crucifixion as there were many laws and lots of people against Jesus but eventually they will be rewarded by God. To follow him he means that you must follow his teachings and not be led into temptation and follow his example and they will share in Christ’s resurrected life. Christians should be proud and admit their beliefs and not fear what other people might say, they may lose their life but will gain eternal life this is shown in the quote;
‘Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it.’
Disciples should spread the word of God, and not be obsessed with material things as in when he tells them to go and spread the word of God but to not take any money and could not take food or bags. They have to learn to depend on God.
