Welcome to Theme E: Faith and Discipleship in Mark's Gospel!

In this section, we are going to explore what it really meant to follow Jesus according to St Mark. We’ll look at the highs and lows of the first followers, the "price tag" of being a disciple, and why stories of faith from 2,000 years ago still matter to people today. Don't worry if some of the Bible references look long—we’ll break them down step-by-step!

1. The Call of the First Disciples (Mark 1:16–20)

Jesus starts his ministry by picking his team. He walks by the Sea of Galilee and sees four fishermen: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John.

What happened: Jesus says, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." They didn't ask questions or finish their shift; they left their nets and families immediately.

Why is this important?

  • Immediate Obedience: Discipleship in Mark's Gospel is about acting now, not later.
  • Sacrifice: They left their jobs and families (their security) to follow a stranger.
  • Fishers of People: This is a clever play on words. Instead of catching fish to kill them, they would "catch" people to give them new life in God's Kingdom.

Quick Review: Discipleship starts with a choice to leave your "old life" behind to follow Jesus' lead.

2. The Woman with a Haemorrhage (Mark 5:24b–34)

This is a powerful story about what faith looks like in action. A woman had been bleeding for 12 years (which made her "unclean" and an outcast in that society). She had spent all her money on doctors who couldn't help.

The Act of Faith: She thought, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." She pushed through a crowd, touched his cloak, and was healed instantly.

Jesus' Response: He didn't get angry. He said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."

Key Takeaway:

Faith isn't just "believing" something in your head; it’s about trusting Jesus so much that you take a risk. Even though she was an outcast, her faith brought her back into the community.

3. The Mission of the Twelve (Mark 6:7–13)

Jesus doesn't just want the disciples to watch him; he wants them to do the work. He sends the twelve out in pairs.

The "Packing List":
- YES: A staff and sandals.
- NO: Bread, bag, or money in their belts.

Why so few supplies?

Jesus wanted them to depend entirely on God and the kindness of strangers. If they had a suitcase full of snacks and money, they wouldn't need to trust God for their "daily bread."

Memory Aid: Think of the "Three Ps" of the Mission: Powers (to heal), Poverty (take nothing), and Pairs (don't go alone).

4. The Cost and Rewards of Discipleship (Mark 8:34–38; 10:28–31)

Jesus is very honest: following him isn't easy. He says, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

The Cost (The "Hard Part"):

  • Deny yourself: Put God's will before your own wants.
  • Take up your cross: In the 1st Century, a cross was a symbol of shame and death. Jesus meant disciples must be prepared to suffer or even die for their faith.

The Rewards (The "Good Part"):

Peter asks, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What do we get?" Jesus promises that those who leave things for him will receive 100 times more in this life (a new "family" in the Church) and eternal life in the age to come.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't think "taking up your cross" just means having a bad day. In Mark, it means a total commitment to Jesus, even when things get dangerous.

5. Peter’s Denials (Mark 14:27–31, 66–72)

Even the "star" disciple, Peter, messed up. During the Last Supper, Peter boasted, "Even though all become deserters, I will not." Jesus predicted Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed twice.

What happened: When Jesus was arrested, Peter was recognized in the courtyard. Three times, he swore, "I do not know this man." Then the cock crowed, and Peter broke down and wept.

Why is this in the Bible?

It shows that disciples are human. Faith can fail under pressure, but Mark's Gospel suggests there is always a chance for forgiveness and starting again.

6. The Commission and Ascension (Mark 16:14–20)

After he rises from the dead, Jesus gives his followers the Great Commission (their final job). He tells them to go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.

He then "ascends" (goes up) to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. The disciples then went out and preached everywhere, with Jesus working through them.

7. Significance and Importance: Why does this matter today?

For GCSE students, you need to understand how these 1st-century stories apply to the 21st century.

Different Views on Discipleship:

  • Discipleship as a Journey: Some Christians see it as a constant process of failing (like Peter) and trying again.
  • The "Radical" View: Some believe you should still give up everything (like monks or nuns) to follow Jesus literally.
  • The "Modern" View: Many Christians believe you can be a disciple in a normal job by following the "Greatest Commandment" (loving God and your neighbour).

The Authority of Jesus vs. Secular Authority:

In the modern world, many people look to secular (non-religious) sources of authority, like science, the law, or social media influencers.
Example: A secular view might say "look after yourself first," while Jesus says "deny yourself."
Students should consider: Is Jesus' teaching on sacrifice still relevant in a world that values wealth and fame?

Key Takeaway for the Exam: St Mark presents discipleship as a high-stakes, difficult, but rewarding relationship. It requires faith (trust) and action (following), not just words!

Don't worry if these stories seem a bit intense! Just remember that Mark was writing for people who were being persecuted, so he wanted to show them that suffering is a normal part of the journey to a great reward.