What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple? CH 11: SECTION TWO What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple? “The four gospel accounts are like the four points of the compass, without each of the four, we wouldn’t be able to find our way.” (Saint Irenaeus) Presented By: Frangell Basora

Mark: Suffering with Jesus Mark is shortest of the gospel accounts and presents Jesus as the Son of God who possessed great power. Mark points out that not everyone accepted Jesus’ authority and He was murdered by those who felt threatened by it: Local leadership. For Mark, the true disciple is one who follows Jesus even it if leads to suffering or death. “Messianic Secret” Suffering is part of Jesus’ mission. He always knew about and accepted it. Glory will come only by accepting suffering. Jesus demands that his identity as the Messiah be kept secret until after his suffering and death. No one can understand Jesus, his mission, or life in general until they know that he had to suffer and die to do God’s will.

Suffering (In-Depth Analysis) Although we may not always have to endure physical pain, all of us have out share of suffering. A disciple is must be willing to suffer for Jesus. Suffering with Jesus means accepting enduring pain and being miserable as God’s plan. WHY? 1) Suffering can help us in our prayer lives. 3) Suffering can help us appreciate God’s blessings when they come. 2) Suffering can help us feel the pain of others.

Matthew: Authority of Jesus Jesus as Teacher: Matthew organizes the sayings of Jesus into give major speeches. Matthew identifies them as the basic teachings of the Church:      Chapters 5-7                The Sermon on the Mount      Chapter 10                   The Missionary Discourse      Chapter 13                   The Parables of the Kingdom      Chapter 18                   The Community Discourse      Chapters 24-25            The Eschatological Discourse Matthew shows a comparison between Jesus, the new lawgiver and teacher, to Moses, the original lawgiver and teacher. Matthew’s special interest in the teaching of Jesus comes across in the two main themes that he finds in that teaching: Justice Law

Matthew (Cont’d) Jesus and the Old Testament: Matthew also stresses the connection between Jesus and the Old Testament. Formula citations-quotes from the Old Testament-are used to show Jesus fulfilling prophecies. Matthew demonstrates that Jesus did not destroy the ancient Laws, traditions , but built upon them.

Matthew (Cont’d) Jesus and the Community: True discipleship does not take place in isolation: Sharing life and faith with others is important for keeping discipleship strong. Christians help each other and can become a loving community by participating in the same shared love and faith God has to offer. The Church continues to grow in knowledge of the Lord and in Christian action in the community and the world; discipleship means being part of a believing community.

Luke: Non-Jewish Audience The early Christians had a difficult time. They are trying to live out their faith in an empire hostile towards Judaism. Luke writes to Christians who experienced the destruction of Jerusalem. They were worried about their own fate. Through Jesus, God has created a “new Israel;” but this time includes the world. Membership is no longer determined by birth, or obedience to the law. God offers his gift to everyone who has their heart open to love.

Luke (Cont’d) In what way is Luke the “social gospel?” Luke’s gospel account is sometimes called the “social gospel” because it emphasizes a concern for the poor and those neglected by society. Luke’s Beatitudes: Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.

John: Uniqueness The most unusual feature in John is his tendency to quote Jesus as giving long speeches. The wording was not exact, yet ideas John used to teach and shape his won Christian community. Jesus is the “logos,” or “Word” that has existed with God from the beginning of time. The Word became flesh in Jesus. Other accounts refer to Jesus as Son of God while John emphasizes that In Jesus, God took on human form-Incarnation. John’s account was written to deepen the Christian community’s faith and to guide them in becoming better disciples of Jesus. Discipleship Means: Service. Doing his works. Living out the commandments he has give. Seeking unity with Jesus. John stresses that to know Jesus is to know the Father: When Jesus said “I Am,” the Jewish audience understood that He meant that He was God, himself.

Loving One Another (In-Depth Analysis) Agape: Greek word for “love.” Agape means “to value” rather than love itself: valuating other people, treating them with great respect and caring for them as people with dignity. Agape can be expressed on two levels: “Large-scale agape” “Small-scale agape”

ANY QUESTIONS?