Call of the disciples II - JSS2 Christian Religious Studies Past Questions and Answers - page 1

A disciple is a person who follows and learns from a teacher, especially in a religious context. In Christianity, a disciple specifically refers to a follower of Jesus Christ who learns from His teachings and strives to live according to His example.

1. Faith in Jesus:

Trust and Belief: A disciple must have faith in Jesus Christ, believing in His teachings, His divinity, and His salvation.

Example: The disciples left everything to follow Jesus because they believed in Him and His message (Matthew 4:19-22).

2. Obedience to Jesus' Teachings:

Following Commands: A disciple must obey Jesus' teachings and commandments.

Example: Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15).

3. Self-Denial:

Putting Jesus First: Discipleship requires putting Jesus first in one's life, even before personal desires and comforts.

Example: Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

4. Commitment and Perseverance:

Steadfastness: A disciple must remain committed to Jesus and His mission, persevering through challenges and difficulties.

Example: Jesus said, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).

1. No matter our profession we can be called to serve God. Even as sinners, God can still call us. Matthew was a tax collector, a profession Jews hated. To them, a tax collector was a Roman agent of profession, a traitor, a sinner and a profiteer.

2. The first apostles left everything and followed Jesus. Likewise, we should respond to God’s call promptly.

3. We cannot combine the work of God with earthly duties.

4. The work of God demands full concentration and commitment.

5. Serving God may demand abandoning our loved ones, our family, our cherished professions etc.

Jesus sent the twelve disciples on a trial mission. Jesus charged them not to extend their mission to the Gentiles and Samaritans but to limit their activities to the Jews. Jesus instructed his disciples to preach that the kingdom of God was near. They should heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons. They were to do their work without asking for any reward. They were not to take with them money, food, tunics (clothes) nor sandals, nor staff.

Jesus said the seventy should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into his harvest. He was sending them out as lambs in the midst of wolves. They should carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. When they enter a house they should pray: “Peace be to this house.”