Friday June 2nd: Lessons in Discipleship

True discipleship is based neither on appearances nor getting ahead at other people’s expense.

Mark 11: 11 – 26

Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the Temple are two actions His followers need to see and learn from. They teach valuable lessons in discipleship.

The fig tree is a metaphor for all disciples. From afar it appeared to have leaves and fruit, but, in fact, it did not produce any fruit. On the surface disciples can appear to be faithful, but unless there are fruits to demonstrate fidelity their appearance may amount to nothing. Genuine discipleship shows both a good appearance and the fruits of the Spirit.

Jesus cleansed the Temple because it became corrupt by greed and self-seeking. The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer and worship and a sanctuary for everyone, instead it became a marketplace where the poor, in particular, were taken advantage of. A genuine disciple stands up against wrongdoing and injustice, not condone or participate in it.

Jesus actions teaches us about the nature of discipleship. True discipleship is based neither on appearances nor getting ahead at other people’s expense.