Discipleship

                                                                                                                                

UNFAITHFUL DISCIPLESHIP (Mark: 14:26-31)

“ But Peter insisted emphatically,’ even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you’. And all others said the same” (v.31)

There is a difference between believer and disciple. Anyone can become a believer. One who loots money may be a believer. One who makes black money and does all evil may also be a believer. But they may not be genuine believers. It’s easy to be a believer but it’s always tough to be a disciple because a disciple is the one who follows Jesus Christ and taking up the cross.

Unfulfilling promise of disciples…(v.50, 71)

Bible never covers or hides the truth. When we write history we may forget or even avoid the realities of our glorified personalities.  Scripture stands its position differently. Every side of characters are explicitly portrayed in the Bible. Peter is one among of those examples whose character before and after the resurrection of Jesus Christ is described clearly in the biblical accounts.  

After observing the Passover Supper, Jesus and the disciples left the upper room singing a hymn. Matthew tells us, "After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives" (Matthew 26:30) Jesus foretells the denial of his disciples here and reminds the disciples about his death. He used the shepherd-sheep imagery saying that shepherd will be killed and all the sheep will be scattered (v.27). It is here Peter gives promise that he will never leave him. Jesus was in agony and at the point of death when Peter expressed that he would never deny him.  It was not just peter who claimed but all the disciples claimed that they would never leave Jesus (v.31).  The reality is Peter denied him, Judas betrayed him and all other disciples ran away while Jesus was arrested and sentenced to death (v.50 and 71).

Unconditional Love of Christ..(v.24, 25)

We understand that Passion narratives testify the unconditional love of Christ for all the disciples. The text needs to be meditated with our sacramental life since the selected periscope is after the institution of Holy Communion. The fellowship of Jesus is always offered for all those who deny and betray him. The love for Jesus has to be above all other loves and relationships. According to Bonhoeffer, “the basis of discipleship is intimacy with Christ”. Carrying the cross is to deny selfish attitudes and be willing to accept insults for the Lord.

 “How would you expect to find community while you intentionally withdraw from it at some point? The disobedient cannot believe; only the obedient believe.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship: Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 4

Prayer: Help us Lord to affirm our faith in every sorts of our life. Amen

Mark 16: 9-20

Resurrection of Jesus: Hope to Witnessing

“If you really love me, then prove it”.  Cross is the symbol of Jesus’ unconditional love. It reminds us the Christ event that he loved the entire creation and died on the cross for the redemption of humanity. There are so many martyrs in the history. But Jesus has a distinctive role in history because he is the savior of the whole world. Resurrection of Jesus places its unique importance here that he is the living God who is different from martyrs who died for a cause. Resurrection of Jesus is the foundational faith of Christianity. We remember the crucifixion and celebrate the resurrection of Christ whenever we participate Holy Communion.    

From confusion to Joy of Resurrection (v.14)

The selected text is a significant text in the Post-resurrection narratives where Jesus appears to Mary the Magdalene and disciples. We see three appearances here.  In the first appearance Jesus appeared to Mary (v.9) and Secondly Jesus appeared in a different manner to two disciples while they were on their way to the country (v. 12). Finally Jesus appeared to the eleven disciple as they were eating (V. 14). Though each appearance is different from one to another, the appearances were to restore the disciples from fear, anxiety and confusion. It was to strengthen the faith of the disciples.

The resurrection appearances end with a command to spread the gospel. The risen lord raises few demands. In verse 16, he says that whoever believes in him and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will condemned. The mission of Jesus was not entrusted to disciples only but for all those who believed. For the believers there were other privileges and responsibilities.  Jesus says believers will be given power to perform miracles and drive out demons demon in his name. Mission is extended to laity from the apostles. Everyone has a purpose to fulfil. We cannot outsource or delegate our responsibility. We are called to witness the risen Lord who remove our sins and take away all our pain and give us hope in the midst of crisis.

Dear Lord, help us to celebrate the resurrection and continue your mission. Amen.