b)
When the disciples chose to follow
Several of the disciples were fishermen; Peter, James and John who were the
members of the inner circle (Jesus’ close companions) were fishermen.
These were most likely illiterate who were working class. By Mark 3:14 their
responsibilities changed as they are now preaching and driving out demons-
this shows they now have authority over evil spirits which is a big change in
which responsibilities they had before Jesus had called them.
Simon now was referred to as Peter meaning “rock” this name suggests
dependability, and also James and John were now called “Boanerges”
meaning “men of thunder” which means they are likely to be brave and
fearless. These names indicate to us that they have gained different qualities.
This is more than likely to be the same for the other disciples.
In the book, Burke (page 134) is states that “A disciple must have the attitude
of a servant” this view is shown throughout Marks gospel and shows how
the disciples will have needed responsibilities and a serious attitude. From
this I believe after Jesus called his disciples, they will have gained qualities
they did not have before. I also believe that from Jesus’ teachings, they will
be more serious throughout life and Jesus taught people important morals in
which they should follow.
2)
When Jesus said “Go sell all that you have and give your money to the poor
and come and follow me” Christians today can follow this teaching in
discipleship in many ways.
When Jesus said this, he was trying to get across that you should not put
money first in your life; you should put God first in your life. This was
definitely for “the rich young man” (Mark 10:17-31), as he went away sad as
he was unable to give up his riches - “Jesus’ attitude was that money…can
give us a false sense of security…it can become an object of worship and a
main preoccupation of life” (Norman, page 39).
However, it is doubted that Jesus wanted us to give to the poor to the extent
to that we are poor ourselves - it can simply be interpreted as by putting God
first and not money. “Jesus is teaching that wealth can be a barrier to
discipleship…(because) it can separate a person from God” (Cooper, page
82).
Christians, today can put this message into practise by giving up un-
necessary wealth for example a priest or nun does - i.e. they give up their
wealth but they are still not poor themselves and they have a healthy life.
Christians today can also give money to the poor this can simply be done
through many ways such as: donations to charities i.e. simple boxes in
supermarkets for example or they can give poor people in their local area
money or food etc.
In Jesus’ teaching “follow me” can be interpreted as going to church
regularly and listening to the preaching of the gospel or Christians today can
go even further by becoming a member of a religious order. Other Christians
interpret “follow me” to the extent of going to aid missions nationwide -
some believe they should serve and follow Jesus to the best of their ability.
3)
I agree with the statement “The demands Jesus makes of his disciples are far
too difficult for modern day Christians”. I feel that what the Bible tells us he
said 2000 years ago cannot be applied today.
The main reason I think this is due to what life is now like compared to what
it used to be. In Mark 10:28 it shows how the disciple left everything they had
in order to follow Jesus. However, today if a Christian left everything in order
for discipleship it would be too difficult. They would have to leave their
families, wives, children, homes and everything they had. Furthermore if they
done this today they would be viewed as ignorant by modern-day society.
Two thousand years ago, in the time of Jesus people were actually dieing for
their faith they were put on crosses and fed by lions. This is too much for
followers of Jesus to do today. However, some people still actually die for
their faith - an example of this is a man called Oscar Romero in 1980 he was
assassinated during a mass when he preached Christian values in church.
However, there are a few cases such as this but it is very rare for discipleship
to come to this in modern day.
One of the main demands that Jesus makes of his disciples, to give up all
wealth it too difficult far the majority of modern day Christians. I think this is
due to what they will have to give up i.e. house car and all possessions. I
think people may have done this, thousands of years ago as most people live
on the bare necessities but now with technological advance people have
many different possessions.
However, even though there are many factors, which make the demands
Jesus makes of his disciples far too difficult for modern day Christians, I still
think it is possible. For example, in the “Mission of the Twelve” (Mark 6:6-
13) the disciples were told to care for and heal people with evil spirits - today
we can feed the poor and fight injustice by simply supporting charities such
as CAFOD. In addition, the disciples were taught to preach things such as
faith and forgiveness but people can do this in everyday life when
communicating with other people.