past papers
‘Disciples of Jesus must be prepared to sacrifice everything.’
Agree Jesus taught that the disciples had to give up everything / the first disciples did leave family / jobs to follow Jesus without question / when he sent them on a mission they were to take nothing with them / they were to give their whole lives to the mission / modern Christians like Sylvia Wright, Father Damien et al. and others have demonstrated true discipleship by giving up everything for their faith / reference may be made to monks and nuns / many Christians have given their lives as martyrs.
Other views Jesus taught that discipleship was about loving God and loving your neighbour / modern Christians do not give up everything / it is too difficult in today’s complex society / people who give up their job and family could be criticised / modern Christians regard themselves as proper disciples without this absolute level of self-sacrifice. (6 mark
‘The disciples make good role models for persecuted Christians.’
Agree The disciples gave up everything for faith / left families / work / followed Jesus around / tried to live up to his teaching / showed faith at times e.g. calming of storm / went out to preach and teach / tried to heal / later as apostles they maintained and spread the faith despite being persecuted / martyred themselves / they were able to demonstrate self sacrifice / take risks / they are good examples of God’s power at work.
Other views They showed fear and lack of faith in the calming of the storm / James and John wanted to be the most important / they did not always understand Jesus’ teaching / the disciples ran away when Jesus was arrested / they were not there at the crucifixion / they were told off by Jesus at the Commission for their incredulity / Peter denied Jesus / Judas handed him over / they did not believe reports of the resurrection
‘The demands of Christian discipleship are too great.’
Agree Disciples have to make sacrifices / people leave their homes / families
Agree Jesus taught that the disciples had to give up everything / the first disciples did leave family / jobs to follow Jesus without question / when he sent them on a mission they were to take nothing with them / they were to give their whole lives to the mission / modern Christians like Sylvia Wright, Father Damien et al. and others have demonstrated true discipleship by giving up everything for their faith / reference may be made to monks and nuns / many Christians have given their lives as martyrs.
Other views Jesus taught that discipleship was about loving God and loving your neighbour / modern Christians do not give up everything / it is too difficult in today’s complex society / people who give up their job and family could be criticised / modern Christians regard themselves as proper disciples without this absolute level of self-sacrifice. (6 mark
‘The disciples make good role models for persecuted Christians.’
Agree The disciples gave up everything for faith / left families / work / followed Jesus around / tried to live up to his teaching / showed faith at times e.g. calming of storm / went out to preach and teach / tried to heal / later as apostles they maintained and spread the faith despite being persecuted / martyred themselves / they were able to demonstrate self sacrifice / take risks / they are good examples of God’s power at work.
Other views They showed fear and lack of faith in the calming of the storm / James and John wanted to be the most important / they did not always understand Jesus’ teaching / the disciples ran away when Jesus was arrested / they were not there at the crucifixion / they were told off by Jesus at the Commission for their incredulity / Peter denied Jesus / Judas handed him over / they did not believe reports of the resurrection
‘The demands of Christian discipleship are too great.’
Agree Disciples have to make sacrifices / people leave their homes / families