he Meaning of Discipleship

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The Meaning of Discipleship

The term disciple is a very vague one. It can be interpreted in a

number of ways. The reader's digest oxford edition defines it as 'A

follower or pupil of a leader, teacher, philosophy.' This meaning is

also indefinite, in this part of the coursework I will try to come

about a more distinct answer.

The early disciples followed Jesus almost blindly. They were told to

leave their fishing nets and boats upon the shore and they did. This

means being a disciple requires faith. However, Jesus did not just

expect them to leave with no assurance. This was Jesus accounting for

our humanity. He realises that humans find it hard to believe so he

performed a miracle with the fish for proof.

When Jesus had called the disciples he requested that they tell the

world about him. The early disciples would go from town to town

preaching the word. Jesus also accounted for the fact that not

everyone wants to hear what they are saying. Jesus gave the

instruction that when people won't listen they should 'shake the dust

from off their feet' and continue. The fact that Jesus keeps making

allowances for disciple's human weakness shows that he doesn't want us

to be perfect just to set out to do right.

Being a disciple today could me various things. It may not even

require people to go out of their way for people however simply let

God's light shine. This could include helping someone with a pushchair

up the stairs.

One of the most important rules in Christian life is 'love thy

neighbour.' To be a disciple this must be a vital part of life. They

must always strive to show love and mercy to others however hard this

...

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...ate the masses about God quickly and

efficiently and in a way making it easier for disciples to communicate

to the world about Jesus.

Christianity is no longer hidden. People can openly talk to people

about Jesus and the work he did. There are thousands of Christian

churches and over 200 Christian denomination so it would be hard for

anyone not to know about Jesus.

Finally nowadays if someone does not want to be a disciple of Jesus

they can at least seek counsel in various other places. Counselling

and talking about your feelings is encouraged today whereas before

concerns were kept under allowing people to make injudicious choices.

In conclusion, I still believe that it is harder to be a disciple

today. The world has become very secular and people therefore have a

'can't be bothered' attitude towards Christ.

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