Faith and discipleship II (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Faith and discipleship II
St Mark's Gospel provides important insights into what it means to follow Jesus as a disciple. This section explores both the difficulties and benefits of discipleship, showing how faith plays a crucial role in the life of believers.
This teaching builds on the fundamental Christian understanding that following Jesus requires both commitment and trust, themes that appear throughout Mark's Gospel.
The cost and rewards of being a disciple
Jesus taught his followers that discipleship would involve significant personal sacrifice, but it would also bring great spiritual rewards. This teaching appears in Mark 8:34-38 and Mark 10:28-31, where Jesus addresses both the challenges and the eternal benefits of following him.
The demands of discipleship
Jesus made it clear that following him required serious commitment and self-sacrifice. He explained that disciples must be prepared to face persecution and hardship for their faith. However, he also promised that those who remained faithful would receive eternal life as their reward.
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Mark 8:34)
The reference to "taking up their cross" was particularly significant, as crucifixion was a common form of execution at the time. Jesus was essentially telling his disciples that following him might cost them everything, including their lives.
This passage shows how Jesus acknowledged the suffering that his followers would experience. Jesus was essentially telling his disciples that following him might cost them everything, including their lives.
The promised rewards
Despite the challenges, Jesus also spoke about the rewards that would come to faithful disciples. He assured them that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed by God.
"Truly I tell you,' Jesus replied, 'no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age ..." (Mark 10:29-30)
This teaching emphasised that whilst discipleship involves giving up worldly comforts and relationships, God would provide abundantly for those who put their faith first. The promise extends beyond material provision to include spiritual blessings and eternal life.
Peter's denials
Peter's story demonstrates the human frailty that can affect even the most devoted disciples. As one of Jesus' closest followers and a future leader of the early Christian Church, Peter's experience shows that failure doesn't disqualify someone from serving God.
The prediction and fulfilment
Jesus predicted that Peter would deny knowing him, despite Peter's protests of loyalty. This prophecy came true during Jesus' arrest and trial, when Peter was confronted by people who recognised him as one of Jesus' followers.
"[Peter] swore to them, 'I don't know this man you're talking about.' Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.' And he broke down and wept." (Mark 14:71-72)
This passage reveals the intense pressure Peter felt and his human response to fear and danger. His emotional breakdown after the rooster crowed shows his immediate regret and recognition of what he had done.
The significance for Catholics today
Modern Catholics find comfort in Peter's story because it shows that Jesus chose Peter as a disciple even though he knew Peter would fail him. This demonstrates God's grace and forgiveness, and reminds believers that they shouldn't expect to be perfect in their faith journey.
The story encourages Christians to persevere even after making mistakes, knowing that God's love continues despite their failures.
The woman with a haemorrhage
This healing story from Mark 5:24-34 illustrates the power of faith and Jesus' compassion for those who were marginalised in society. The woman's condition would have made her ritually unclean according to Jewish law, yet Jesus welcomed her approach and healed her.
In ancient Jewish society, a woman with continuous bleeding would have been considered ceremonially unclean and would have been excluded from religious and social activities. This cultural context makes Jesus' response even more significant.
The woman's faith
The woman had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years and had exhausted all medical options. Her condition was not only physically debilitating but also socially isolating. Despite this, she maintained her faith that Jesus could heal her.
"A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering ... He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'" (Mark 5:25-29, 34)
Jesus' response
Rather than being concerned about ritual purity, Jesus acknowledged the woman's faith and healed her completely. He addressed her as "Daughter," showing acceptance and care for someone who would have been considered unclean by religious authorities. This demonstrates Jesus' willingness to reach out to all people, regardless of their social status or circumstances.
The story emphasises that faith, not social standing or religious observance, is what matters most to Jesus. It shows his compassion for those who suffer and his power to bring healing and restoration to broken lives.
Key Points to Remember:
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Discipleship involves sacrifice - Jesus taught that following him requires giving up worldly comforts and being prepared to face persecution, but eternal rewards await faithful disciples.
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Human weakness doesn't disqualify us - Peter's denials show that even devoted followers can fail, but God's grace covers our mistakes and weaknesses.
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Faith is more important than status - The woman with the haemorrhage was healed because of her faith, not her social position, showing that Jesus welcomes all who come to him in trust.
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Jesus understands suffering - These stories show that Jesus acknowledged the difficulties his followers would face and provided both practical help and spiritual comfort.
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God's love persists through failure - The choice of Peter as a disciple, despite knowing he would deny Jesus, demonstrates that God's love and calling continue even when we fall short.