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Updated Mar 19, 2026
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Exploring Discipleship in Religious Studies
caightlin
@caightlinx
1 / 3
Jesus Calls His First Followers
Think about dropping everything you're doing right now to follow someone - that's exactly what happened when Jesus called his first disciples. The first four disciples were ordinary fishermen who immediately left their nets and boats when Jesus asked them to follow him. This wasn't just about career change; it showed the universal nature of discipleship because Jesus chose regular working people, not religious elites or celebrities.
When Jesus chose the twelve disciples, he gave them a specific mission: drive out evil spirits and spread God's word. The twelve included fishermen, a tax collector, and various other ordinary blokes. Remember them with this daft mnemonic: "Strawberry jelly joggles around plates but most times it's just terrible strawberry jelly" .
Levi the tax collector was probably the most shocking choice of all. Tax collectors were absolutely despised because they worked for the Romans and were known for being dishonest. Yet Jesus called Levi anyway, showing that discipleship is open to everyone - even those society has written off.
Key Point: Jesus's authority was so powerful that people immediately dropped their entire lives to follow him, proving that true discipleship requires instant obedience and commitment.
The Reality of Following Jesus
Being a disciple isn't a walk in the park - Jesus made this crystal clear through various challenging teachings. When he sent the twelve on their mission, he told them to travel light (just a stick and sandals, no money or extra clothes) to learn complete dependence on God. If people rejected their message, they were to "shake the dust off their feet" and move on.
Jesus warned about the cost of discipleship using pretty intense language: "take up your cross" and be prepared to suffer or even die. He taught that Christians must put others' needs first and give everything they have to serve God and others, just like the widow at the treasury who gave her last two coins whilst rich people only gave their spare change.
Peter's denial shows us something really important though - even when disciples fail massively (Peter denied knowing Jesus three times!), forgiveness is possible. Peter went on to become the leader of the early Church, which gives hope to anyone who's messed up their faith journey.
The story about paying taxes teaches that Christians have duties both to the state and to God: "Pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor and pay God what belongs to God." This means you can be a good citizen whilst staying faithful to your beliefs.
Key Point: Discipleship demands total dedication, but even when you fail spectacularly like Peter did, God's forgiveness can restore and strengthen you.
Modern Discipleship in Action
Modern disciples like footballer Lionel Messi show how faith can be lived out today. Messi openly credits God for his success, works as a UNICEF ambassador, and runs the Leo Messi Foundation to help vulnerable children access education and healthcare. His example proves that you can be successful and still put your faith into action.
True qualities of discipleship include showing obedience to Christ, making sacrifices to help others, having patience and kindness, and continuing the work Jesus started. Christian missionaries today receive training and devote their lives to God's work, much like the original twelve disciples did.
However, there's ongoing debate about whether giving up wealth is essential for discipleship. Some argue that Jesus's praise of the widow shows we must give up everything. Others point out that in our modern world, we need money for basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education - and wealthy people can still lead good Christian lives by helping those in need.
The disciples weren't perfect role models either. Yes, they responded immediately to Jesus's call and went on mission trips, but they also lacked faith during storms, fell asleep when Jesus needed them most, and ran away when he was arrested. This actually makes their story more relatable - discipleship isn't about perfection, it's about commitment despite your flaws.
Key Point: Whether rich or poor, perfect or flawed, anyone can be a disciple by showing commitment to Christ and putting their faith into action through serving others.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Discipleship in Religious Studies
caightlin
@caightlinx
Ever wondered what it actually means to follow Jesus? Mark's Gospel gives us loads of real examples through the stories of Jesus's first followers - and spoiler alert: they weren't perfect! These stories show us that being a disciple isn't... Show more
Jesus Calls His First Followers
Think about dropping everything you're doing right now to follow someone - that's exactly what happened when Jesus called his first disciples. The first four disciples were ordinary fishermen who immediately left their nets and boats when Jesus asked them to follow him. This wasn't just about career change; it showed the universal nature of discipleship because Jesus chose regular working people, not religious elites or celebrities.
When Jesus chose the twelve disciples, he gave them a specific mission: drive out evil spirits and spread God's word. The twelve included fishermen, a tax collector, and various other ordinary blokes. Remember them with this daft mnemonic: "Strawberry jelly joggles around plates but most times it's just terrible strawberry jelly" .
Levi the tax collector was probably the most shocking choice of all. Tax collectors were absolutely despised because they worked for the Romans and were known for being dishonest. Yet Jesus called Levi anyway, showing that discipleship is open to everyone - even those society has written off.
Key Point: Jesus's authority was so powerful that people immediately dropped their entire lives to follow him, proving that true discipleship requires instant obedience and commitment.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
The Reality of Following Jesus
Being a disciple isn't a walk in the park - Jesus made this crystal clear through various challenging teachings. When he sent the twelve on their mission, he told them to travel light (just a stick and sandals, no money or extra clothes) to learn complete dependence on God. If people rejected their message, they were to "shake the dust off their feet" and move on.
Jesus warned about the cost of discipleship using pretty intense language: "take up your cross" and be prepared to suffer or even die. He taught that Christians must put others' needs first and give everything they have to serve God and others, just like the widow at the treasury who gave her last two coins whilst rich people only gave their spare change.
Peter's denial shows us something really important though - even when disciples fail massively (Peter denied knowing Jesus three times!), forgiveness is possible. Peter went on to become the leader of the early Church, which gives hope to anyone who's messed up their faith journey.
The story about paying taxes teaches that Christians have duties both to the state and to God: "Pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor and pay God what belongs to God." This means you can be a good citizen whilst staying faithful to your beliefs.
Key Point: Discipleship demands total dedication, but even when you fail spectacularly like Peter did, God's forgiveness can restore and strengthen you.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Modern Discipleship in Action
Modern disciples like footballer Lionel Messi show how faith can be lived out today. Messi openly credits God for his success, works as a UNICEF ambassador, and runs the Leo Messi Foundation to help vulnerable children access education and healthcare. His example proves that you can be successful and still put your faith into action.
True qualities of discipleship include showing obedience to Christ, making sacrifices to help others, having patience and kindness, and continuing the work Jesus started. Christian missionaries today receive training and devote their lives to God's work, much like the original twelve disciples did.
However, there's ongoing debate about whether giving up wealth is essential for discipleship. Some argue that Jesus's praise of the widow shows we must give up everything. Others point out that in our modern world, we need money for basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education - and wealthy people can still lead good Christian lives by helping those in need.
The disciples weren't perfect role models either. Yes, they responded immediately to Jesus's call and went on mission trips, but they also lacked faith during storms, fell asleep when Jesus needed them most, and ran away when he was arrested. This actually makes their story more relatable - discipleship isn't about perfection, it's about commitment despite your flaws.
Key Point: Whether rich or poor, perfect or flawed, anyone can be a disciple by showing commitment to Christ and putting their faith into action through serving others.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Jesus
Most popular content in Religious Studies
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user