Explain how the teachings about being a disciple might make a difference in the everyday lives of Christian believers today

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Leo Casimo 10D

Discipleship Coursework

Question 2

There are many varied ways in which the teaching about being a disciple might make a difference in the everyday lives of Christian believers today. Some of the teachings in Mark’s Gospel change people outlook on life and although Mark uses traditional teachings they are relevant to people today.

A job choice from a Christian following this teaching about being a disciple may differ significantly from someone who is not. For example, one person may choose a job for its convenience and for the materialistic pleasures that may come with it (money, cars etc) but another person may choose a job that is less convenient and pays less because they wish to embody the Christian lifestyle of being a disciple. In Mark’s Gospel is the account of “The widow’s offering” (Mk 12:41-44) In this account we learn that it is not the physical amount that we give which counts, rather it is the sacrifice we make. From Mark’s Gospel we learn important teachings about money and sacrifice. Jesus did not ask his disciples to give a little of their time and energy, he wants everything. But this is a huge challenge to people today in that we have many things to distract us from the right path, for example: fame, power, money and status. Money can be a barrier to and often takes the place of God in people’s lives today; we have become a consumer driven society where having things is often the most important goal in people’s lives and yet to be a good disciple a total commitment to God must be made.

Choice of hobbies could also differ according to the teachings about being a disciple. Whilst one person may concentrate on doing activities that only involve pleasure for themselves, for example clubbing, another person might make time to go and do good things like helping out helping out at a homeless soup kitchen. Loving everybody else rather than concentrating on one’s own selfish needs is another teaching about discipleship taught in the Gospel of Mark: In Mark 12:28-34 Jesus says that “love your neighbour as yourself” is the second most important commandment.

From the teachings about discipleship people could learn to ...

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From the teachings about discipleship people could learn to give some of what they have to others who are in need, for example, giving money to charities like CAFOD. Some people give lots of money to various charities and in Mark’s Gospel when the rich man asks Jesus what he can do to achieve eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven Jesus tells him to go and give all his money to charity. The rich man symbolizes the many people who want to be disciples but are not willing to give their possessions and money away. But Christians must have faith in God and understand that if they give away their riches and devote their lives to God and have faith in Him they will have everything they need.

Being a disciple may involve rejection, ridicule, attacks or imprisonment. All twelve of Jesus’ apostles were martyred. Discipleship can also be frustrating and lonely. But Jesus’ teachings tell us that those who devote their life to God and those willing to die for their Christian beliefs will receive eternal life in the kingdom of God. In Mark’s Gospel we are taught that winning in this life which often includes wealth and power will not equate to winning in the next life.

But there are also infinite rewards of being a disciple. Disciples will be received into God’s eternal kingdom with open arms (eternal life, salvation). However discipleship also brings in this life. Helping those less fortunate than yourself can be extremely fulfilling.

Discipleship is interpreted and practiced in a variety of ways, for example, priests live a life of celibacy in order to be closer to God and become better disciples.

From the teachings from the Gospel of Mark we are also taught that anyone can be a disciple and it does not matter who you are or what you have previously done. A good example of this is when Jesus calls Levi. (Mark 2:13-17) Many people were shocked that Jesus chose him to be one of his followers but Jesus said: “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.”

A good example of an ordinary person who chose to use these teachings and dedicated their life to being a disciple of God is Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who spent the whole of her life ministering the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. She is an excellent role model for Christians today because she proves that anyone become a disciple and do amazing things.

In conclusion, the teachings about being a disciple can make a huge amount of difference in anybody’s life.