Welcome to your Study Guide for "Faith and Discipleship"!
In this chapter, we are exploring Theme H of St Mark’s Gospel. We are going to look at what it actually meant to follow Jesus 2,000 years ago and what it means for Christians today. You’ll learn about people who gave up everything, people who had incredible courage, and even a famous disciple who got it very wrong at first.
Don't worry if some of the Bible references look long—we will break them down into simple stories and key lessons!
1. The Start of the Journey: Calling the First Disciples
Scripture Reference: Mark 1:16–20
Jesus began his ministry by picking a team. He didn't go to a university or a palace; he went to the seaside. He called four fishermen: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John.
What happened?
Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." The most amazing part? They dropped their nets and followed him immediately. They left their jobs, their boats, and even their families.
Analogy: Imagine your favorite celebrity or a great leader walked into your classroom, looked at you, and said, "Come with me; we’re going to change the world." Would you drop your phone and walk out the door right then? That is the level of commitment these men showed.
Quick Review Box:
• Discipleship means being an "apprentice" or a student of Jesus.
• Key theme: Urgency. They didn't make excuses; they just went.
2. Faith in Action: The Woman with a Haemorrhage
Scripture Reference: Mark 5:24b–34
This story shows that faith is more than just "believing" something in your head—it’s about taking a risk.
The Context: A woman had been bleeding for 12 years. In those days, this made her "unclean," meaning she wasn't allowed to touch anyone or go to the Temple. She was broke from paying doctors who couldn't help her.
The Act of Faith: She thought, "If I touch even his clothes, I will be made well." She pushed through a massive crowd and touched Jesus’ cloak. She was healed instantly. Jesus told her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well."
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't think she was "stealing" a miracle. Jesus wanted her to come forward so he could restore her place in society, not just heal her body.
Key Takeaway: Faith is often shown by people who are desperate or "disregarded" by others. It requires courage to reach out.
3. Learning by Doing: The Mission of the Twelve
Scripture Reference: Mark 6:7–13
Jesus didn't just want his disciples to watch him; he wanted them to do the work. He sent the Twelve out in pairs.
The "Travel Light" Rule: Jesus told them to take nothing except a staff. No bread, no bag, no money. They had to wear sandals and only one tunic.
Why?
1. To teach them to trust God to provide food and a place to sleep.
2. To keep them focused on their message: repentance and healing.
Did you know? Sending them in pairs was a smart move. It provided "legal" witness to their stories and gave them emotional support when things got tough!
4. The Reality Check: Costs and Rewards
Scripture Reference: Mark 8:34–38 and 10:28–31
Jesus was very honest: following him is hard. He used a famous phrase: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
What does "taking up the cross" mean?
In the 1st Century, someone carrying a cross was on their way to be executed. Jesus is saying that discipleship requires total sacrifice. You have to put God's will before your own safety or comfort.
The Rewards:
Peter asked, "We’ve left everything, so what do we get?" Jesus promised that those who leave things for him will receive a hundred times more (community, "family" in the church) and, in the age to come, eternal life.
Memory Aid: The "Great Exchange"
You give up your old life (selfishness/temporary things) to receive new life (purpose/eternal things).
5. When it Gets Tough: Peter’s Denials
Scripture Reference: Mark 14:27–31, 66–72
This is a very important section because it shows that disciples are not perfect. Even Peter, the "leader," failed when he was scared.
The Prediction: Jesus told Peter he would deny him three times. Peter argued, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!"
The Failure: After Jesus was arrested, Peter was recognized in the courtyard. Three times, he swore, "I do not know this man!" Then the rooster crowed, and Peter broke down and wept.
Why is this in the Bible?
It gives encouragement to Christians today. It shows that even if you fail or lose your courage, you can still be a disciple. Mark’s Gospel is very "human" and honest about mistakes.
6. The Final Challenge: Commission and Ascension
Scripture Reference: Mark 16:14–20
After he rose from the dead, Jesus appeared to the Eleven. He gave them the Great Commission: "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation."
The Transition:
• The Ascension: Jesus was taken up into heaven.
• The Work Continues: The disciples went out and preached everywhere, with Jesus working "through" them with signs and wonders.
Key Takeaway: Discipleship changed from following Jesus physically to representing Jesus to the world.
7. Significance: Why does this matter today?
How do we understand these stories in the 21st Century?
Nature of Faith: Is faith just a feeling? In Mark, faith is usually an action (like the woman touching the cloak or the disciples leaving their boats).
Authority: Many Christians believe Jesus' teaching has supreme authority—meaning his commands to "take up the cross" should be the most important rule for their lives. However, some secular critics might argue that these demands are too extreme or "outdated."
Modern Discipleship: For a Christian today, "discipleship" might mean:
• Standing up for social justice.
• Helping the poor (The "fishers of men" mission).
• Being brave about their faith in a world that might mock them (carrying the cross).
Quick Review of Chapter Highlights:
1. Calling: It starts with a choice to follow.
2. Faith: It requires a "reaching out" to Jesus.
3. Mission: It involves active service and trusting God.
4. Cost: It is difficult and requires sacrifice.
5. Failure: It's okay to make mistakes (like Peter); forgiveness is always there.
6. Commission: The job is to spread the message to everyone.
Great job! You’ve covered the key points of Faith and Discipleship in St Mark’s Gospel. Keep these stories in mind, and you'll be ready for any question on Theme H!