The word 'disciple' is used to describe the very first followers of Jesus. This term is also applied to anyone who calls him or herself a Christian.

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The word 'disciple' is used to describe the very first followers of Jesus. This term is also applied to anyone who calls him or herself a Christian.

The word disciple is derived from the Latin-discipulus, meaning pupil or learner. Jesus was not the only person to have disciples there are also references to the disciples of the Pharisees and also John the Baptists' disciples. The word is also used to describe the twelve apostles of Jesus. They were chosen to help Jesus on his mission of spreading the word of God and founding a new Christian people. They were also chosen to continue in Jesus' work after his death.

The story of the Calling of the First Disciples tells us about when Jesus chose the apostles. I find it peculiar that Jesus should choose perfect strangers to carry out such important tasks such as healing the sick and spreading the word of God. The men he chose were fishermen I think Jesus had a motive for this. He wanted to choose the right people. Fishermen are generally patient, and determined, qualities needed for discipleship. Jesus wanted to communicate with the people. He knew that they would listen to the disciples, who were ordinary people. He needed someone to communicate with outcasts, to make them believe that they can change. Perhaps this is the reason he chose Levi.

The disciples Jesus chose were to be his most loyal companions. They had to be willing to die for Jesus. Jesus needed his disciples to do certain tasks for him he needed them to cast out evil spirits and heal the sick. The disciples had to imitate the life of Christ. They could not hold possessions, as they were distractions. However on many occasions they did not fulfil these special requirements for example on one occasion they couldn't cast away the evil demon possessed inside a little boy. Jesus later explained this was because of their lack of faith. There were many other incidents when they made mistakes. When James and John asked for the seats on either side of Jesus in heaven. The mistakes of the disciples show that it is not always easy to be as good a disciple as you would wish. They also teach us, as we learn from mistakes made by others and ourselves.

Having studied Marks gospel I have learned the qualities of being a disciple. I have learned that faith is an important quality from the calling of the disciples. Service is also imperative; this is evident when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples. Humility is also significant shown in the widows offering. I now know that patience is essential from the story in the garden of Gethsemane. These are just some of the qualities the disciples showed when Jesus taught them. I believe that the most important quality is faith because without faith there is not motive for helping, or following Jesus.

Marks gospel teaches many things one of the most important is discipleship he goes into great depth with the issue of discipleship. I think that if you want to learn about discipleship, its costs, the issues, involvements etc. you should read marks gospel.

What can this study of discipleship teach Christians today about the nature of discipleship?

In the time of Jesus religion was a part of who you were. It signified who you were, your friends and also your community. But today religion has become in a sense 'unfashionable,' because Jesus' teaching methods are unfashionable.

In Marks Gospel we learn of the cost of discipleship-leave self behind, take up the cross, come with me. In the modern age I think that this is very difficult for many people because people are very judgemental. People are judged on their possessions and lifestyle. Today's world is so materialistic people would be judged unkindly should they abandon their families to become a disciple. Also, people would find it difficult to leave the wealth earned from a career. Other items in our society, e.g.: drugs can also be a barrier to the path of discipleship. Conversely, there are many people who do not let these things stand in their way, examples of such people are priests, nuns monks, and missionary workers. Some people don't have the strength to become a disciple and others fell that the rewards are not great enough. Various people may have enough faith to make sure that social attitudes do not stand in their way.

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Mark is useful because it helps us to understand what is required of a disciple. Although, it can only affect your life if you want it to. However, because of the views of people in our modern world I am not sure that a lot of people would pay great attention to detail, to these teaching.

Children cannot be disciples so they cannot be Christians either. Would a Christian agree? Give reasons for your answer showing you have thought about more than one point of view.

I disagree with this statement, and I am sure that many others would too. ...

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