The servant in a fellowship of suffering and life with the Lord

Abstract

The Synoptic Gospels, while visualizing discipleship as a fellowship in suffering and life with the Master, prefer to emphasize in a particular way the communion of the disciple in the suffering and death of Jesus. After his decision to follow Christ, the disciple is associated in a very special way to him and accompanies his Master on the way which leads to the cross. Hence, the communion of the disciple with Jesus is accounted for in the terms of the cross. The Gospel of John underlines the intimate relationship of faith and love between the Lord and the disciples, who are completely aware that all they are and have is a gift of God. Jesus promises to those who follow him a complete fellowship in suffering and life with him, who is now in the Father's abode where he went to prepare for them a place (In 14,1-4) in order that they may be "there where he is" - this being the typical Johannine note of the Christian discipleship. It is a supra-temporal and a supraspatial promise which Christ makes to all Christians of all ages. In 12,26 thus becomes central for one's understanding of discipleship in the Fourth Gospel: If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if anyone serves me, the Father will honour him.