James and John who are sons of Zebedee had the identical calling as Peter and Andrew and their reaction was similar, although they were rich with excellent jobs. James and john had a similar challenge as peter and Andrew. In the request of James and John (Mark 10:35-45) James and John ask Jesus, "Let one of us sit at the right and the other at your left in your glory". Jesus said to them, "Instead whoever wants to become great among you must be slave of all". This suggested that James and John wanted places of honour, seats of distinction, but what they misunderstood once again is that being a disciple means being least of all, the servant of all. Just because they were disciples, it didn't mean that they should have been treated any differently, it didn't mean that they were to be further up the hierarchy, it meant than they were to take the ordinary seats. It also showed that they were confused and selfish (rather that selfless) about what being a disciple meant.
They have to realise that they have taken the responsibility of serving others and not waiting for power and money. They have to die for their faith and belief. Their sacrifices were to leave all their riches and status. Their reward were the same as peter and john, they became saints in the end.
Matthew whose original name was Levi's call was 'follow me' and he left everything and followed him. Matthew's challenge was to live with people who hated him because he was an outcast. So he needed to have faith in Jesus and trust every decision He makes even if it is to live people who dislike him. He also had to give all his riches, well-off job and status in his own place. His sacrifices were, to give up his riches, well-off job and status. His reward was similar to the other disciples, he became a saint.
The rich man was asked to leave everything to the poor and follow Jesus. He responded by walking away sadly because he was very rich and did not intend of giving up his money. He failed in his call and did not follow Jesus. His challenge was to give up his money and follow Jesus. But he fails, he puts himself before others and God. He does not have enough faith in Jesus and he cares for his status. His sacrifice was to give up all his wealth to the poor and follow Jesus, but he failed his task.
The widow had a silent calling and she was called by faith and heart. She responded by giving up everything she had to charity. The widow’s challenge was to give up every thing that she had to live on. She believed that God would provide for her. Her sacrifice was to give up all that she had to God. She unlike the Rich man put God before her and so her reward was to receive riches in heaven.
There is a contrast between the rich man and the poor widow. The rich man does not give his money even though he is rich but the widow gives all that she’s got even though she is really poor.
Judas had the same calling as James, John, Peter and Andrew, he also responded in the same way. Judas's challenge was to have faith in Jesus and not betray him. He should learn to love God more than money (worldly goods). He should not be tempted by the evil but follow on God's path. He also should have believed that Jesus would have forgiven him because everybody makes mistakes even Peter made mistakes. He is after all a man and not God. His sacrifice was to leave everything.
Joseph of Arimathea had a silent calling. He was also called by the heart or faith; he had to ask for Jesus’ body. His challenge was not to care of what people think of him. He had to ask for Jesus’ body from Pontius Pilate, if he had to look as a traitor in front of his people. He went on to become a disciple. His sacrifice was to give up his status within his people. His reward was that he could become a saint with riches in heaven. He followed on the road of Jesus and died for his faith. Joseph of Arimathea’s job was to get Jesus body from the Romans. Blind Bartimaeus job was to set an example to the people around him that even though he cannot see he still has faith in Jesus and that Jesus can heal anybody who has faith.
Blind Bartimaeus received his call by faith; he followed Jesus on the road. His challenge was to walk on the same road as Jesus. He had to suffer like Jesus did and he got new sight which signifies that he had a new life. He thought that he was in debt with Jesus and that he had to repay him by following him. His sacrifice was to follow Jesus on his way. Even though he received sight after a long time he still insists on going with Jesus than to enjoy his life. His reward was that he got to become a saint and that he received sight plus riches in heaven. Blind Bartimaeus job was to set an example to the people around him that even though he cannot see he still has faith in Jesus and that Jesus can heal anybody who has faith.
All the disciples’ jobs were to be Jesus’ companions. They had to preach drive demons out, heal sick people by anointing them n the head with oil. He sent them out to preach and tell people about the Good News. They were not allowed to take any extra clothes or food. No money was allowed and they had to stay where ever they were invited and leave any where they weren’t. They had to be sandals and hold a stick. They had to preach to the whole human race and speak in different languages. They had to right to baptise people and drive out demons. They had to do everything in Jesus’ name they would never be harmed even if they drank poison or picked up a snake.