What can a study of St mark’s Gospel tell Christians about the nature of Discipleship?
... Jesus said that a disciple is anyone who “does what God wants them to do”. This simply means that if we put the word of God into action we will be accepted into God’s family. While some Christians think discipleship is ‘costly’, you need to bear in mind the reward of being a true disciple. Eternal life in Heaven. Heaven is priceless. You also get the reward of emotional, spiritual satisfaction and fulfilment from leading a good honest life. This is something you could never feel if you were a person who cheated throughout your life. The 12 disciples were ordinary people who Jesus asked to follow him; it may seem strange that Jesus did not pick any particular person. This is emphazing again that anyone can be a disciple. Jesus only chose four fishermen to be his most loyal companions who would be prepared to die, suffer, be rejected and go to prison. The 12 had to be prepared to suffer and die- they were to forget self, carry their cross and follow him. This had special significance to Marks original readers. Christians were experiencing persecution daily. Jesus encourages his disciples to practice self-denial. Some people in today’s society who make sacrifices are husbands and wives, parents and those with special vocations i.e. nuns, monks, priests e.t.c Jesus called Levi to be a disciple. Levi was a tax collector who wasn’t liked by many Jews because he collected taxes for the Roman Government. Jesus called Levi to be a disciple by going into his office and saying to him “Follow me”. Levi got up leaving behind him a life of wealth, power and luxury. He knew it was his calling in life. He also knew the reward in Heaven would be far more powerful and fulfilling than having earthly goods. The 11 other disciples went through what Levi went through. They left all their treasured possessions. They all k...