Following Jesus Marks story of discipleship 1 Discipleship

Following Jesus: Mark’s story of discipleship 1. Discipleship and the Kingdom

Doing theology with the Gospels • Trying to understand ‘the question of the identity and way of life that might emerge in an audience’s interaction with the narrative’ • I can only answer the question, “What am I to do? ” if I can answer the prior question, “Of what stories do I find myself a part? ”

Gathering in God’s people • Mark 1. 1 -6, 14 -15 • Who has called you here, and why? • Prayer: Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you. Draw us closer to yourself and to each other as we journey together: in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gathering in God’s people

Baptized in the Spirit • Mark 1. 7 -13 • Actions: water: washing hands, sprinkling, sign of the cross • Reflection: when were you baptized? What promises did you (or your sponsors) make? • Prayer: God of our pilgrimage, you have led us to the living water: refresh and sustain us as we go forward on our journey, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Called to follow • Mark 1. 16 -20, 3. 13 -15 • Actions: disentangling the fishing net: naming ‘fish’ (post-it notes) • Reflection: what ‘disentangling’ do you need to do in order to follow Jesus? What ‘fish’ are you seeking to catch? • Prayer: God of glory, the end of our searching, help us to lay aside all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom, and to give all that we have and are to gain the pearl beyond all price, through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The work of the Kingdom • Mark 1. 21 -28, 40 -45 • Reflection: How is the church involved in the work of the Kingdom? How am I involved? • Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have taught us that we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for you. Help us to carry on your work of loving and serving the world in your name. Amen.

Discipleship and the Kingdom • 1. Discipleship is not an autonomous goal nor an end in itself. Discipleship is part of a bigger story: the messianic community is called into being to act as agents for the Kingdom of God. • 2. Discipleship therefore cannot be divorced from ecclesiology. Disciples are called as individuals to be part of a community. A distinctive calling – to work together for the furthering of God’s Kingdom.