Christians and discipleship

Question 1

What do christians learn from the call of the first disciples?

Answer 1

• Christians should recognise that God calls people from all walks of life to become disciples.
• Christians should follow Jesus whole-heartedly and without question.
• Christians should try to learn God’s ways and teach them to others.

Question 2

What do christians learn from the sending out of the twelve?

Answer 2

• Christians need to stay focused on the task Jesus has called them to - not focusing on possessions and money.
• Christians should try to persuade other people to become disciples.
• Christians should stand against evil and injustice in the world.
• Christians should try to help the sick and those in need.

Question 3

What do christians learn from Jesus’ teaching about true family?

Answer 3

• Christians believe that the church is God’s family and all believers are brothers and sisters.
• Being a true disciple of Jesus may mean that a person will come into conflict with their own family members if they are not Christians.

Question 4

What do christians learn from Jesus’ teaching on true greatness?

Answer 4

• People who appear to have authority in churches today (Priests, Vicars, Pastors, etc.) are really there to serve others.
• Jesus teaching goes against modern society where greatness is seen in wealth, fame, talent, etc. - not in service.
• Christians today try to serve others and show the love of God to people.

Question 5

What do christians learn from the story of the rich young man?

Answer 5

• Jesus expects people to be willing to give up possessions and money to help others
• Christian today believe that Jesus was showing that the demands of discipleship may be much harder for some people - some people may feel they have more to lose.
• This may be a problem for Christians who live in a society where success is often measured by the amount of money people have.

Question 6

What do christians learn from the Parable of the Tennants?

Answer 6

• God’s son was rejected.
• Christians today see themselves as God’s messengers and know that they too may be rejected by many people.
• The parable sums up God’s plan from creation to the present day.

Question 7

What do christians learn from the story of the son with the evil spirit who the disciples failed to cure?

Answer 7

• Christians today may feel that if Jesus’ disciples had failed what chance do they have.
• Christians, however, do take some comfort knowing that real faith and prayer can bring about amazing results.

Question 8

What do christians learn from the Parable of the Sower?

Answer 8

• Not everyone will respond positively to God’s word.
• Some people who respond to God’s word need to recognise that it can be a struggle to stay true to their belief as things will happen that may stop them from following God.
• Spreading God’s word is worthwhile because some people will believe and become true disciples.

Question 9

What do christians learn from Jesus’ teaching on service?

Answer 9

• Christians today know that part of being a disciple is to serve others.
• Christians know that they must be willing to devote their lives in service to others - giving of their time, energy, talents, money, etc.
• Some Christians may have to be prepared to show the ultimate act of service and give up their lives to save others.

Question 10

What do christians learn from the failure of the disciples?

Answer 10

• Christians take comfort from the fact that even the disciples failed on occasions
• When Christians find it hard to Follow Jesus they are encouraged when they remember that the first disciples also struggled at times.
• Christians today sometimes forget to pray or to serve or put things off until another day - the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’ - Jesus understands our weaknesses.

Question 11

What do christians learn from the failure of Peter when he denied knowing Jesus?

Answer 11

• Christians recognise that at times they will face situations that put their faith to the test - this is a natural part of discipleship.
• In today’s world Christians are challenged about the belief they have in Jesus from many sources (for example, science) and they must learn to trust that Jesus is true to His word.
• Christians know that it is not easy to share their beliefs with others without being ridiculed at times - but this is a small price to pay for God.