Mark's Gospel shows several examples of discipleship. A disciple is a follower of Jesus.
Jesus callled twelve disciples to set an example for people to follow. Discipleship means being prepared to follow Jesus: this can involve suffering, rejection and death. The nature of discipleship is not being at a more priveleged position compared to others but it is one of a voluntary service towards others. In Mark's Gospel we are shown a true disciple has a number of qualities that are shown in the tasks they carry out as a disciple. Commitment is a key factor in the life of a disciple.It is important that they are able to commit themselves because discipleship demands full commitment.
The people who Jesus callled followed him and dropped all there belongings and gave up there life to devote and commit themselves to being a follower. This is shown when Jesus callls the fishermen. Jesus said to them, 'Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people. ' At once they left their nets and went with him. Disciples must also have faith. Faith is needed to help believe in Jesus and what he asked them to do.
Faith that would help them to be able to go out and preach cast out demons and annoit and cure the sick.The women who touched Jesus in Mark 5:21-43, showed incredible faith. When she felt that she only had to touch the tip of Jesus' cloak and in doing this she would be healed. Jesus said to her 'my daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your trouble'.
The disciples had to be selfless and be prepared to sacrifice. This is most clearly shown in the commission. The disciples were to be sent off in pairs for safety, to preach repentance, cast out demons and anoint and cure the sick. They left their lives behin.When the rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to enter the kingdom of Heaven, Jesus tells him to obey the commandments. The man then tells Jesus he has done so since he was a achild so Jesus tells him he must sell eveerything, give it to the poor and follow Jesus.
The rich man goes away very sad because he is very rich and Jesus tells the disciples, 'It is much harder for a arich person to enter the kingdom of god then for a camel to go through the eye of a needle' (Mark10: 17-21) Finally, St. Mark's Gospel can tell Christians that a disciple must be tolerant, caring for others, be prepared to cast out demons and heal the sick.A disciple must have control. Jesus says, 'Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and be the servant of all' (Mark 9:35) A study of Mark's Gospel can tell Christians a lot about the nature of discipleship it is a service to Jesus. Just as Christianity a lot about the nature of discipleship it is a service to Jesus. Just as Christianity demands commitment and many Christians today are called to commit their whole lives to God a disciple must show the same qualities to be a follower of Jesus carrying the cross.
St. Mark's Gospel tells us disciplkeship involves faith, commitment, trust, sacrifice and humility. 'If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget self, carry his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever wants to lose his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Does a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but loses his life? Of course not. ' (Mark 8:34-36) Suffering can be a part but the reward is eternal life.
