Jesus then called Levi (Matthew), the son of Alphaeus, who was a tax collector to come and follow him and again Levi rose immediately and followed him.
Among the twelve there are very different characters and personalities. Their names are Simon, James and John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. The fact that there are zealots, tax collectors and fishermen all working together is an example as Marjorie Farrelly says of “Love ones neighbour.” This shows us that there is room for all people in discipleship and they do not have to all have the same religious, social, and political background to be followers of Christ. In addition to this the number twelve is a “universal” number, meaning that the word of God is for everyone, Jews and gentiles alike.
From studying Mark’s Gospel we can learn a great deal about discipleship. I am now going to reflect on some of the many stories, which portray the true nature of discipleship.
The story of “The mission of the Twelve” tells us that discipleship involves urgency and travelling light, the apostles are to be provided for so that they can concentrate on the mission.
Finally they were sent out to do three things:
Preach repentance, Cast out devils, and Anoint sick people with oil and cure them.
The story ‘The cost of discipleship’ states clearly that being a disciple means doing the will of God and forgetting about ones own needs.
“Anyone who wishes to be a follower of mine must leave self behind, he must take up his cross, and come with me.” To leave self behind means to put oneself last in all things, to have no care about ones life, position or esteem, and to have no desire for rights or privileges except that belonging to God.
“To take up the cross,” means for many Christians of Mark’s day, their fate was to die for Christ. Discipleship means being prepared to follow Jesus to the point of death. “Come with me” means that an invitation to go with Jesus is an invitation to travel along the same road. Discipleship can involve suffering, rejection, and death, stated by Robin cooper.
Many of Mark’s stories indicate clearly that discipleship means leaving all your worldly goods behind to follow Jesus and his word.
In the story, “The Widow of the Treasury”, the woman is a perfect disciple for she has given all she had and everything of value to her. “The Rich Young Man” is yet another story which tells us that being a disciple means denying yourself all that is precious to you. The young man thought he would surely get eternal life but Jesus tells him that he must do more. “Go sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor.” Jesus explains, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven.”
Being a disciple involves sacrifice and serving, it is not about privilege. Jesus makes this clear on several occasions. James and John wanted the glory of sitting at God’s right and left hand but Jesus explains that discipleship is not about glory it is about privilege. “Are you willing to drink from the cup I drink, and be baptised with the water which I am baptised?”
The story of “Jesus and the little children” teaches us that, to enter the kingdom of God and to be Disciples we us trust in God and depend on him as a child depends on its parents.
Mark includes the story of “Peter’s Denial” as it is very important. This story lets us know that you do not have to be perfect to be a disciple, and that there can be weakness and failure - right to the very top. Even though Peter let Jesus down, he was forgiven by Jesus and confirmed as the leader of the church.
Discipleship is also about rewards, “The Rewards of Discipleship”, is important because it lets us know why the disciples chose to follow Jesus as it gives life real value and the main reward is eternal life.
Marks gospel teaches us a lot about Discipleship; that a disciple has to be willing to give up everything he has and risk losing everything to serve God, and in addition, to receive eternal life.
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