Question 1

The dictionary definition of disciple is 'one who believes in the teaching of another,' and in the text book 'Mark: A Gospel for Today' it states 'a disciple is a student or a follower.' Jesus had twelve apostles, meaning "messenger", and they will take Jesus' message to people of all nations. The number of disciples, twelve, corresponds to the number of tribes that founded Israel. The new Israel they are to establish will be Gods kingdom on Earth.

Jesus' message, "the kingdom of God has arrived. You must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news," shows the kingdom of God is for everyone that repents. This is shown as the twelve disciples were formed from all walks of life; had flaws and were not free of sin and represented that Israel, organized into twelve tribes of the people of God is no more and that these twelve mixed men could represent that new Israel is for everyone. Furthermore, the disciples being ordinary, average people meant they could relate and communicate with the people better.

The first story of Mark we learn of the disciples is the calling of the fishermen. Jesus uses vocation to call Simon and his brother Andrew, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men," and immediately they respond, "They left their nets and followed him." We can see from this that a disciple must have obedience and sacrifice.

The story of Levi the Tax Collector, known as Matthew the disciple, shows the disciples were from different backgrounds because tax collectors were despised and hated by "good" Jews because he worked for the enemy, the Romans. Jesus said to Levi "follow me" and he did so. Later on Jesus was eating at Levis house with a large group of outcasts and the disciples. Some Pharisees saw and they were disgusted. "Why does he eat with such people?" they asked. Jesus replied, "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts." The Pharisees believed Jesus was a good man; however he was eating with terrible sinners. As far as they were concerned tax collectors were rich and thus corrupt. The Pharisees couldn't understand why Jesus would eat with these people or make a tax collector one of his disciples. This proves Jesus wanted all walks of life because by eating with the outcasts he is inviting them to the messianic banquet.
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Jesus sent out the twelve with his message, he commissioned them to preach, heal the sick and he "gave them authority over unclean spirits." This shows the disciples have service.

The disciples had to sacrifice family, friends, clothes, homes and in nearly all cases their lives because Jesus said "Anyone who wishes to be a follower of mine must leave self behind: he must take up his cross and follow me." Also, Peter said "we have left everything to follow you." For example, Peter was crucified upside down in Rome after he told Mark the gospel writer ...

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