Text: Mark 1:16-20, 3:16-19
Theme: Jesus and Disciples in Mark
Disciple:
The word Greek word for Disciple is ‘mathetes.‘ It means a ‘learner’ or ‘follower’ who accepts and follows the views and practices of a teacher. The list of disciples found in Mark 3:16-19. These twelve disciples were called the apostles (Apostolos), which meant the one who is sent out with a special commission as an ambassador with fully authorized representative of the sender.
Jesus was facing the critical point in his ministry. He faced the opposition for offending the traditions of the religious leadership, and they plotted to destroy him. But he saw a great crowd following Him, but they were not deeply committed to his cause. Therefore, he prayed all night and choose leaders to be trained. (Enduring Word).
Twelve:
Peter comes from Petros meaning Rock, Jesus named him ‘Kephas,‘ an Aramaic name. John means God is gracious. James comes from Iakobos means Jacob. John and James were called as sons of Thunder. Andrew comes from Andreas means man or manly. Philip comes from Philippos means Lover of horses. Bartholomew from bartholomaios means Son of Talmai, Talmai means plowman. Thomas from Aramaic te’oma means ‘twin’. Matthew comes from maththaios means gift of Yahweh; he was also called Levi. James means short. Thaddaeus Greek meaning is gift of God but in Aramaic, it means Beast. Simon from the Zealot group. Simon (Heb: Simeon means hearing) Simon (Greek name) means flat nosed. Judas comes from Judah (praise Yahweh), Iscariot is a Hebrew word ‘Ish Kerioth,‘ means ‘a man from Kerioth.’ (Ref: Amit Christian, Dr. Jim).
Jesus separates ''the twelve'' for special training so they can be equipped to heal (Matthew 10:1), cast out demons, and spread the gospel. The apostles are generally listed in order of importance and paired according to their associations (Ryan Nelson).
The misconception of Disciples about Christ’s Mission:
Mark explains that the disciples of Christ had followed Christ but could not come to the full realization of the Mission of God in their early days. When the storm was calm at his command, they were asking each other, “Who then is this, that even wind and waves obey him?” (Mark 4:35–41). When he fed five thousand, Jesus comes to his disciples, walking on the water, and he stills another storm. Disciples “were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:45–52). When the disciples worry about not having enough bread, Jesus reminds them of the miraculous feedings that he has performed and asks, “Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see and having ears do you not hear?” (Mark 8:14–21).
Wrong Reactions to Jesus:
Mark explains that when they realized that he is from God and the most powerful Rabbi ever lived on the earth. They didn’t want to lose him and wanted to gain more privileges and advantages. Therefore, whenever he predicted his death, they were in their own world: First time Peter pleaded not to die (Mark 8:31–33), Second-time the disciples discussed which of them is the greatest (Mark 9:32–34). The third time two of his disciples asked him if they can be guaranteed seats at his right and his left in his glory (Mark 10:35–41).
Worst Actions of Disciples:
Mark states that after understanding that Jesus’ mission contradicted the mission of the disciples, they betrayed, denied, and forsaken him (Mark 14:10–11, 17–21, 44–45, 29–31, 66–72, 14:26–28, 50).
Jesus’s attitude towards his disciples:
He called them to follow him knowing their motives (Mark 1:16–20; 2:13–14; 3:13–14). Jesus treated them as a Family (Mark 3:34–35). Jesus Enlightened them with heavenly Knowledge (Mark 4:33–34). Jesus taught his disciples about the mystery of the kingdom (Mark 4:11) and explained the meanings of his sayings (Mark 4:10–20; 7:17–23). Significantly, he responded to their misconceptions that follow each of his passion predictions (Mark 8:34–38; 9:35–37; 10:42–45). Jesus Empowered the Disciples for Mission (3:14–15; 6:7–13). Jesus gave authority to disciples to preach, heal, and overcome Satan by casting out demons.
Conclusion:
We learn that we may have different names with different histories, failures, and future hopes. We are different in our interests and our vocations. Yet we have one thing in common call of Christ, a commission of Christ, and convocation with him.
Our Christian life and faith depended upon the people around us. They make a significant contribution to our understanding of applying the Christian faith. We are greatly affected by the people with whom we are journeying. Often the very character qualities that make someone an inspiring and energizing colleague can make that person a difficult one. A motivated and excited worker might be easily distracted by new projects, or might be prone to quickly forming and quickly expressing opinions. Personality gives us both strengths and weaknesses (Theology of work).
(To learn more themes from Mark, kindly refer this cite).
