Marks of True Christian Discipleship: Reflections from Mark 10:35-45

Abstract

This paper analyzes the marks of true Christian discipleship. The term discipleship appears about 270 times in the New Testament, thus signifying its important place in Christian life. The essence of Christian discipleship is learning where Jesus is the teacher (Rabbi) while the disciples (Christians) are the pupils. In the process of learning virtues including listening, imitation, obedience, dependence and direction are inevitable components. The disciples of Jesus were blind to the true significance of Jesus and what he was doing. They did not understand his mission as well as their own mission. They therefore thought of discipleship in terms of greatness. Conversely, the marks of true discipleship are suffering, servant hood and self-sacrifice.

Key Words: Discipleship, Meaning of Discipleship, Discipleship Process, Marks of True Discipleship.