Mark and Mathews Presentation of Jesus’ Disciples

Areas to Compare

The 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) and ways are central to the calling. Discipleship involves suffering through the acts of servant hood.[footnoteRef:6] [5: R. Bailey, 6] [6: Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2013), 184-188]

Being a servant in Jesus' society was not a popular option; just like it is today. Sticking with Jesus on his missions was demanding and involved confronting evil powers, and even possibly losing one's life in preparation of Jesus' way.

There are numerous martyrs that are emerging today than ever before in Christian history. Indeed, Jesus' followers are still confronted with evil forces, great misunderstandings and die for the cause of Christ. Mark points out that suffering is not about denial of one's status in the eyes of God or his people. Mark, however, does not intend to exalt suffering by insinuating that it is the only hallmark of a faithful disciple.[footnoteRef:7] [7: P. Achemeier, Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 2001), 146.]

Mark is only trying to warn the believers that discipleship comes with a price, and that may be suffering sometimes. He is trying to alert them to prepare to be steadfast if an opportunity for death or suffering arises. This is in emulation of Christ as He suffered on the cross and died. Indeed, the ones who publicly seek to spread the gospel are likely to encounter suffering or even be killed. Mark presents an apocalyptic and eschatological scenario in which the disciples of God and His messengers should expect suffering and even death for proclaiming the message and supporting the mission.[footnoteRef:8] [8: R. Bailey, 7-8]

Faithlessness of the Disciples

The main difference between Mathew and Mark is that in Mark, the disciples are exposed to the nature of their faithfulness. The events in Mark 4:35 is the initial one in a set of three related scenes with boats where the primary cause of the faithfulness of disciples shows as a continuous and deepening weakness (6:45-52; 8:14-21). In the third scenes that has to do with the climate, the followers who still do not have faith in 4:40 do not still understand who Jesus is (8:17, 21). Besides, even though Peter agrees and confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, and even has an understanding of aspects of his teaching (8:29), the disciples continuously misunderstand the mission of Christ- and their own too. They also misunderstand the Jesus' message of the Kingdom and where they stand in it. In chapter 8 verse 27, the disciples are portrayed as they are preoccupied with their status in the Kingdom. They fail to progress in their understanding and faith as we move to the climax of the mission. From a literary perspective, the failure to understand (1:1-8:26) appears to intensify; which leads them to their denial of Jesus (14-15)[footnoteRef:9]. [9: L. Sug-Ho, and G. Jan, The portrayal of the hardening of the disciples' hearts in Mark 8: 14-21. (HTS Theological Studies 65, no. 1, 2009)]

Gospel of Matthew

Calling of disciples

Mathew provides an in-depth understanding of the process of becoming a disciple. Indeed, the phrase "make disciples" is the guiding action word in the end commission; it is therefore not surprising that the term disciple is a key word in Mathew than it is in the other synoptic texts of the Gospel. In statistical reflection, it occurs over 73 times in Mathew while it is seen only 46 times in Mark. Indeed, it is the only reference to the followers of Christ in the gospels.[footnoteRef:10] [10: J. Park, The Disciples in Matthew.]

The introductory verse to the famous Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5:1, it speaks of how he went up to the mountain after he saw the crowds and sat on the ground and his disciples followed him there. Indeed, the disciples did more than just listen to Christ. They followed the Man (8:23). This means that there was denial of the self and the bearing of the cross (16:24). The disciples of John the Baptist had disciples who enquired from Jesus on the matter of fasting (9:4) and His mission as the Messiah (11:2,7). [footnoteRef:11] [11: J. Park]

In Chapter 4, it was demonstrated that Jesus was always a faithful disciple from the point of his baptism (3:13-16) in the bush (4:1-11) and in the course of his ministry in Galilee (4:12-17). Jesus was bestowed with the authority to make disciples out of men. He starts to disciple others before by inviting Simon Peter, John, Andrew and James (4:17- 22). He commissions them to become disciples of the nations after calling the twelve of them. In the making of disciples in Mathew, any consideration should be based on three elements: Jesus' discipling, discipling the twelve followers and the discipling of the nations. The discipleship in Mathew could be viewed under three acts, i.e. to call, to follow and to send[footnoteRef:12]. [12: J. Park]

Commissioning the Disciples

The concept of discipleship as seen in Mathew has similar aspects to Mark of how Jesus helped disciples to emerge. Indeed, in close examination, it can be concluded that the only focus of Jesus was the disciples. In a rather chiastic form, Jesus starts his ministry on earth by summoning the disciples in the city of Galilee and winds up by commissioning the same disciples in Galilee to spread to the nations. Owing to the teachings, healings and general ministry, He is followed by the crowds (4:23-25). These crowds grow so big that they become hard for Jesus to handle (9:35-38).[footnoteRef:13] [13: J. Park]

The disciples assisted Jesus' ministry when they helped Him feed 5000 (14:19) and 4000 (15:36) people with the loaves they took from Him. The same disciples are said to have stood in the way of Jesus ministry. For instance, they urged Him to send the 5000 (14:15); the children and Canaanite (15:23) away. Owing to their lack of faith, they failed to cast the demon out of the young boy (17:19). They were slow and their understanding of what He said about the cross (16:21) and His prediction of their denial. They still stated that they were staunchly loyal to Him after the latter (26:35). The disciples spent the night (26:40, 45) and ran away (26:56) but Jesus made a promise to meet them in Galilee (26:32) where he had first called disciples to follow His cause and him (4:18- 22).[footnoteRef:14] [14: J. Park]

The lord sends his disciples to minister the gospel just like He did (10:1-42); a response that seemed in line with the petition to send more laborers into the fields to harvest. The commissioning act in Mathew 10 is the pivot point in the focus of the ministry of Jesus. Prior to this point, the mentioning of disciples occurs only 9 times. They are mentioned 61 times from Chapter 10 going forward. It is clear that Jesus decided to focus on the 12 followers at the core of His ministry's activities so as to empower them to continue with his mission even after His death and resurrection.

The crowds are seen again at the end of the gospel despite the concerted efforts by both Jesus and His disciples. They add to the condemning of Jesus. Mathew tries in a variety of ways to make distinction between the crowds and the disciples.[footnoteRef:15] [15: J. Park]

Cost of being a Disciple

One must leave everything to follow Jesus if they want to become His disciple. That is the only requirement. Once they begin to follow Jesus, they will learn to become "fishers of men" (4:18). The central aim was to teach them catch and to teach others to catch the "fish." Simon Peter's leaving of the nets and the John and James' leaving their boats is a demonstration and emphasis of what is required to become a disciple. He gives the analogy of the cross (10:38; 16:24) and the dead burying the dead (8:22) to emphasize the nature of true discipleship. Following calls for total surrender of the self to the lord that has called one. [footnoteRef:16] [16: J. Park]

Once a disciple has responded to God's call, they are taught to follow the ways of discipleship via deeds and words of Christ. Jesus teaches all disciples; experienced ones and new ones alike, the need to be inclusive in the kingdom of God (9:9-13). He brings this to practical purview when he attends a dinner with friends of Mathew and reacting to the criticisms by the Pharisees on the act of eating with sinners. Disciples are incorporated into the narrative in this and other parts of scripture. Jesus departs from the classroom mentality of teaching and inculcates in His disciples the need to learn and live the experience of what they learn, by following him.

Although the disciple Peter expresses some apprehension when Jesus speaks of the cross (16:21-23), they follow Him as he meanders and penetrates communities with His ministry between Galilee and Jerusalem. Peter and the rest of the disciples repudiate Jesus prediction of their denying Him (26:33-35). Although they are pulled back by their human weakness to avoid following Jesus to the cross, they congregate in Galilee as had been promised by Jesus (26:32); to be with Him and follow Him still (28:16). They are practically ready to disciple the nations after being disciple by Jesus. Understanding the guiding principles of the kingdom is the primary focus in Matt. 13:51-53. Jesus sought to confirm their understanding of His teachings by practically asking them to reaffirm such knowledge. They reaffirmed their understanding whereupon he alluded to the teacher of the law and likened him to a house owner who collects treasures and old items alike from his storeroom. We also see that Joseph of Arimathea had also become Jesus' disciple[footnoteRef:17]. [17: J. Park]

Significance of the Gospels

Records of Jesus' close interaction with his disciples from the point of calling, through His passion to resurrection exist on the gospel of Mathew. Jesus has an impact on people's lives through the discipleship. The writing of the gospel is not meant to provide moral lessons, rather, it is teaching about God. The various weaknesses of the disciples are used to demonstrate Jesus' strength. The self-important feel among them is sharply posted against Christ's humility. Indeed, the gospel writing is meant for those who have accepted the gospel. it does not seek to describe the condition of being a disciple or seek to spread the word. It majorly aims at exposing to the people, the consequences of being a follower of Christ.[footnoteRef:18] [18: R. Bailey, 1]

The role of the disciples and its link to the goal purpose of the holistic gospel is also stated in the gospels. Mark emphasized the essence of discipleship into the structure of His Gospel. He spends significant time recording the interactions of the disciples with Christ and explaining their actions. It was not easy to understand what discipleship meant- rejection, suffering and, sometimes, death for any of the disciples or the early Church. The 12 disciples are first mentioned in Matt 10:1 when Jesus sends them to attend to the house of Israel. These disciples were closer to Christ that Jesus' own brothers and even mother (12:49). They always sought direction from him in private and public arena (13:10; 20:17; 24:3). When Jesus first commissions disciples in Mathew, he instructs them not to enter any Samaritan town or mingle with the Gentiles. He pointedly insists that they go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.[footnoteRef:19] [19: J. Park]

In addition, the calling, of the disciples, points to the need of companionship that people have. Jesus could teach the 12 disciples deeply and even draw strength from them sometimes (Mk.14:32-42). The disciples are, ideally an extension of Jesus' ministry.

Apart from the special limelight cast on the twelve disciples, there are many other disciples that followed Jesus. Indeed, all believers of Christ are disciples. Many segments of society such as sinners, sick people and women could have been excluded by the social rules and customs that existed then. In a unique act that only He could affect, He calls the "disqualified" to fellowship with Him.[footnoteRef:20] [20: R. Bailey, 9]

Bibliography

Donahue, John R. The Theology and Setting of Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark. Milwaukee, WI: Marquette University Press, 1983

Witherington III, Ben. The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.

Green, Joel B., Jeannine K. Brown, and Nicholas Perrin, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Intervarsity Press, 2013.

Achtemeier, Paul J., Joel B. Green, and Marianne M. Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001

Park, Jim. "The Disciples in Matthew." Accessed September 14, 2016. http://www.discipletree.com/05Courses/Urbanmission/07Fulfilling%20Great%20Commission/The%20Disciples%20in%20Matthew.pdf.

Bailey, Rye. "EXPLORING THE THEME OF DISCIPLESHIP IN MARK'S GOSPEL." 2008, Accessed September 14, 2016. https://www.academia.edu/3554649/EXPLORING_THE_THEME_OF_DISCIPLESHIP_IN_MARK_S_GOSPEL.

Lee, Sug-Ho, and Jan G. Van der Watt. "The portrayal of the hardening of the disciples' hearts in Mark 8: 14-21." HTS Theological Studies 65, no. 1 (2009)