Faith and discipleship I (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Faith and discipleship I
St Mark's Gospel provides important insights into how Jesus called his disciples and the role they played in spreading the Gospel message. This section explores three key passages that show the development of discipleship from initial calling to final commission.
Understanding discipleship terminology
Before examining the specific passages, it's important to understand the key terms used to describe Jesus' followers. The word 'disciple' simply means 'follower' and is commonly used to describe Jesus' twelve closest followers from the Gospels. However, it can also refer to any Christian who follows Jesus' teachings.
The term 'apostle' has a more specific meaning - it describes the disciples in their role as teachers who actively spread the word of God. Alongside the twelve apostles, Jesus had many other followers, including women who supported his ministry.
The distinction between 'disciple' and 'apostle' is crucial for understanding the Gospel accounts. While all apostles were disciples, not all disciples became apostles - the term 'apostle' specifically refers to those given the mission to teach and spread God's word.
The call of the first disciples (Mark 1:16-20)
Jesus' method of calling disciples was direct and personal. When he encountered Simon Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee, he used a powerful metaphor that connected with their existing profession as fishermen:
"Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people." (Mark 1:17)
This quote demonstrates how Jesus identified Simon Peter and Andrew's specific role in gathering more people to follow his teachings. Rather than simply asking them to be passive followers, Jesus immediately gave them a mission - to help bring others into the community of believers. The fishing metaphor would have been particularly meaningful to these professional fishermen, showing how Jesus could transform their existing skills for a greater purpose.
The mission of the Twelve (Mark 6:7-13)
Once the disciples had been with Jesus for some time, he sent them out on their first independent mission. This passage provides detailed instructions about their role and the rules they should follow:
"Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.' They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."
Key Elements of the Disciples' Mission Instructions:
Jesus provided very specific practical guidance for the disciples' mission work. They were told to travel in pairs for mutual support, take minimal possessions to demonstrate dependence on God's provision, and respond appropriately to both acceptance and rejection. This shows the importance of preparation and clear guidelines for sharing faith.
This detailed account reveals several important aspects of early Christian mission work. The disciples were given authority over evil spirits, showing that Jesus shared his supernatural power with them. They received specific practical instructions about what to take and wear, emphasising simplicity and dependence on God's provision through the hospitality of others.
The disciples were also told how to respond to rejection - they should move on rather than force their message on unwilling listeners. Their primary tasks included sharing Jesus' stories, preaching the good news to those who would listen, and healing others following Jesus' example.
The commission and ascension (Mark 16:14-20)
After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to his eleven remaining disciples and gave them their final, most comprehensive mission:
"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (Mark 16:15-18)
This commission represents the ultimate expansion of the disciples' mission from local to global. Jesus commanded them to spread the Gospel throughout the entire world, not just to their immediate community.
Different Interpretations of Miraculous Signs
The passage mentions miraculous signs that would accompany believers, including speaking in different languages, protection from harm, and healing abilities. Some fundamental Christians believe these accounts literally, while many Christians today, including Catholics, understand Jesus' instructions as symbolic of the greater mission each Christian has to share their faith with others.
The reference to speaking in tongues likely refers to the practical gift early followers received - being able to communicate the Gospel message in many different languages when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This would have been essential for spreading Christianity across diverse communities in the ancient world.
Challenges of discipleship
The teachings in St Mark's Gospel present certain challenges for modern Christians. The passage about salvation through baptism and condemnation for non-believers can be difficult for some Christians to accept, particularly the exclusive nature of this teaching that suggests only Catholic Christians who are baptised will achieve salvation.
A Difficult Teaching for Modern Christians
This creates tension for many believers who struggle with the idea that people of other faiths or those who haven't been baptised might be condemned, regardless of their moral character or good deeds. This exclusive interpretation challenges modern interfaith understanding and raises questions about divine justice and mercy.
Key Points to Remember:
-
Discipleship involves active mission - Jesus didn't just call people to follow him passively, but gave them specific roles in spreading his message
-
The disciples received practical training - Jesus provided detailed instructions about how to conduct their mission work, showing the importance of preparation and guidance
-
Authority and power were shared - Jesus gave his disciples authority over evil spirits and the ability to heal, demonstrating trust in their abilities
-
The mission expanded globally - What began with local calling evolved into a worldwide commission to spread the Gospel to all people
-
Modern Christians continue this mission - The principles of discipleship and sharing faith remain relevant for Christians today, even if the specific miraculous signs may be interpreted differently