Areas to CompareThe Gospel of Mark
Mark 1:16-20, the Calling
Why should we focus on the First Disciples' Calling? This calling was the first of Jesus' ministry to the public. The act of Jesus was a distinction in Jewish society. According to Jewish tradition it was not a norm for Jewish teachers to go to the field and recruit disciples. It is the disciples that sought teachers. Jesus is particular in calling out his first disciples, i.e. Peter, Andrew, John and James. According to Mark, the initiative for recruiting and training to become a disciple always comes from Christ.[footnoteRef:1] [1: J. Donahue, The Theology and Setting of Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark. (Milwaukee, WI:Marquette University Pres, 1983), 15.]
Jesus did not call these disciples to repent. He only asked them to follow him. He transformed the lives of fishermen by asking them to pursue new lines of activities and mission. Such following of Christ is not just about the hearts assent; rather it is a socio-economic reformation of relationship. It is not an extra-ordinary call. It is about changing one's social practice to an alternative one[footnoteRef:2]. Christians in modern day aren't willing to overhaul their social relationships for the purpose of following Christ. In Mark's view, it isn't enough to simply affirm with the heart. It is about the willingness to follow Christ with tangible actions. It requires abandoning your livelihood and trade lifestyle; which isn't easy. According to Donahue's views, the response of discipleship constitutes three elements. 1. They separate from their families and occupations. 2. They commit to follow the caller 3. They participate in the mission and work of the caller. In Marks account, these disciples are willing to give up everything to follow Christ[footnoteRef:3]. [2: B. Witherington III, The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. (Grand Rapids, MIWilliam B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001), 85.] [3: R. Bailey, EXPLORING THE THEME OF DISCIPLESHIP IN MARK'S GOSPEL. (2008), 4-5]
Mark 6:6b-13, the Commissioning
Disciples inherit both the destiny and the mission of Christ. Jesus has bestowed both authority and power over evil spirits on his disciples. Mark highlights the power and authority of Jesus throughout his gospel. It is a marvelous type of authority that has not been witnessed before. Not even the greatest of teachers has seen or experienced it before. Such commissioning triggers a realization of positivity from his followers. They go out with such authority and take nothing else with them. They rely on God's provision and his people's hospitality. They carried out the mission; preaching the gospel, casting out demons, praying for the sick and healing them, and leading many people to repentance. Even though the disciples only understood a fraction of Jesus' mission, particularly the aspect of suffering and eventually dying on the cross, God used them to deliver huge miracles. God makes use of those who are imperfect to effect perfect things using his divine authority; mental capacity and the understanding of the mission at hand notwithstanding.[footnoteRef:4] [4: R. Bailey, 6]
Mark 8:34-35, the Cost
The disciples were still in the dark on the cost of following Christ until Jesus was arrested and crucified. Although Jesus made many prophecies concerning his terrible ending, the disciples seem not to have seen or heeded his cues. One must count their losses if they choose to follow Jesus as disciples. Such a decision involves comparing the cost and benefits of venturing into the risk of following. Although it sounds out of line, spiritually, it is a reality.[footnoteRef:5] Some of those who have encountered Jesus believe that it is worth their while following Christ while others avoid the calling and opt to continue with their lifestyle. It must be noted that obeying God's and forfeiting one's old life (Mk. 1:18; 8:34-37)...
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