The Meaning of Discipleship

MEMORY VERSE: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel’s, the same shall save it.” —Mark 8:35

MARK 10:17-31

ONE of the serious errors being popularized as truth these days is the idea that by becoming a Christian one is assured of prosperity, good health, and an abundance of friends. This is directly contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. When the rich young man of our lesson asked Jesus what he could do to “inherit eternal life,” Jesus first reminded him of the Ten Commandments. When the young man said that he had kept these commandments, Jesus instructed him to sell all that he had and give to the poor, and take up his cross and follow him.

The young man went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. The cost was too great. Furthermore, he had asked Jesus what he could do in order to live, and Jesus told him what he must do in order to die—to die, that is, sacrificially with Jesus. This was implied in the invitation to take up his cross and follow the Master.

However, Jesus did give the young man a compensating thought. He told him that if he would make the great sacrifice which Jesus outlined he would have treasure in heaven. This was probably without meaning to this young man, for the Jews were not aware of a heavenly hope. Even the disciples were perplexed, and in Matthew’s account we find Peter asking, “Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” In other words, Peter was here reminding Jesus that they, the disciples, had taken the step he had asked the rich young man to take, and now they wanted to know what their reward would be. Like the young man, the disciples were perplexed over the idea of treasures in heaven.—Matt. 19:27

Jesus’ reply to this was, “Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matt. 19:28) Here were, in part, the heavenly treasures, the promise being that those who suffer and die with Jesus will, in the kingdom, share the throne of his glory as judges and kings.

Jesus said to his disciples, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23) He explained that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (vs. 25) The reference here is to the rulership phase of God’s kingdom, for only those who suffer and die with Jesus will live and reign with him.—II Tim. 2:11,12

It seems that in Jesus’ day there was a small gate within one of the larger gates in the walls surrounding Jerusalem, and this was called “the needle’s eye” A camel could pass through this “needle’s eye” gate by kneeling down and having its pack removed. This, of course, is the condition upon which anyone can enter into the kingdom of heaven to live and reign with Christ—all must humble themselves, becoming poor in spirit, and sacrifice all their earthly possessions.

The disciples, hearing all this, asked: “Who then can be saved?” They believed, and properly so, that Jesus had come to bless all the families of the earth. Had not the angel announced his birth as glad tidings of great joy to all people? But now, it seemed to them, Jesus was making the terms of salvation so difficult that very few could be saved.

Jesus could have explained that the terms of discipleship which he had outlined applied only to those who desired to be his disciples in the Christian era, to prove their worthiness to live and reign with him in his wonderful future kingdom. He could have explained that in his kingdom all mankind will indeed have the opportunity of becoming his subjects, and of being saved from death and blessed with perfect human life on earth.

The thought in our memory verse is important to all true followers of the Master. If they have covenanted to die with him it is necessary to fulfill their covenant, else they will lose life altogether. On the other hand, if they are faithful unto death they will reap the reward of glory and honor and immortality.—Rom. 2:7

QUESTIONS

Relate the story of the rich young man of the lesson.

What are treasures in heaven?

How can anyone become a joint-heir with Jesus?

How can we save our lives by losing them?

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