Explain the meaning of discipleship for, The first disciples, and Christians today.

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Discipleship

) Explain the meaning of discipleship for,

The first disciples,

Christians today.

Discipleship revolves around following Jesus both physically and spiritually. Both the first disciples and Christians today are followers of Jesus.

A disciple of Jesus would be expected to respond immediately to Jesus, love his neighbour, be willing to forgive sins, show generosity, accept persecution and live their lives using gospel values in everything they do and say.

The first disciples of Jesus were expected to give up everything to be real followers of Jesus as this was illustrated in Mark's Gospel when Jesus called his first disciples.

As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them "Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people." At once they left their nets and went with him.

He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus. (Mark's Gospel - 1:16-20)

This extract from the story of Gospel portrays many factors of discipleship the first disciples were to undergo. The main point this story is proving is that to be a disciple you must respond immediately to Jesus' demands even if that means leaving your friends, family and property behind.

In chapter two of Mark's Gospel Jesus was once again back to the shore of Lake Galilee where he started to teach a crowd of people.

As he walked along, he saw a tax collector, Levi son of Alphaeus, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Levi got up and followed him.

(Mark's Gospel - 2:14)

This displays the fact that Jesus wasn't afraid to work with social outcasts and that he treats everyone with equality. Levi demonstrates true discipleship by also responding to Jesus' request by immediately following him even if he is to leave everything behind.

Jesus was fully aware that his disciples were to find it difficult to give up everything without the thought of a reward and when Peter emphasised the point by telling Jesus, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."

Jesus replied, "Yes"..."and I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, will receive much more in this present age. He will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and persecutions as well; and in the age to come he will receive eternal life. But many now who are first will be last, and many who now are last will be first." (Mark's Gospel - 10:29-31)

This shows that Jesus' disciples will be rewarded eternal life for the good they create in the world.

Jesus displayed more of what is meant to be a true disciple when he chose his twelve disciples.

"I have chosen you to be with me," he told them. "I will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons."

(Mark's Gospel - 3:14-15)

The first disciples needed to have absolute faith in Jesus even though they may be frightened. Although the disciples may have witnessed Jesus healing the sick, another encounter concerning Jesus was to be an experience they would never forget.
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One evening the disciples went out with Jesus in a boat to cross Lake Galilee. Suddenly a strong wind blew up and waves began to spill into the boat. Jesus then commanded the wind "Be quiet", and told the waves to "Be still"(Mark's Gospel 4: 39), the wind and waves then died down. Jesus then said to his disciples "Why are you frightened? Have you still no faith?" (Mark's Gospel 4: 40)

Mark uses this in his gospel to show how the disciples learnt to have faith in Jesus.

This story was so important for ...

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