CONVERSATIONS ABOUT JESUS: NAMES OF JESUS - RABBI/TEACHER

 

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT JESUS (NAMES OF JESUS)

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Rabbi/Teacher (John 1:38)

Based on Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of Jesus

 

The Name

·      Rabbi, or Teacher, was normally reserved for someone who had studied under another rabbi for many years. 

·      Jesus stepped into ministry by simply calling 12 disciples. 

·      Most rabbis merely passed along the teachings of the rabbi under whom they had studied; Jesus spoke with authority!

·      We are called to become His disciples, to stay as close to Him as those original 12 – studying His life, examining His teaching, and allowing His spirit to remake us in His image. 

·      Jesus as Rabbi is the only teacher who is all-wise, all-good, all-powerful, and able to not only transform our minds, but also our hearts. 

 

The Key Scripture – Matthew 23:8

Jesus said to His disciples, “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master.”

 

Understanding the Name

·      In ancient Israel, all education was religious education. 

·      In the first century, “Rabbi” came to be used as a title for scribes or theologians trained in the Law (Law of Moses). Scribes were also known as “teacher of the law.” The KJV calls them “lawyers.” These scribes worked with the Pharisees, and added many rules & regulations laws to the Mosaic law, placing heavy burdens on the people. 

·      “Rabbi” is literally translated “my great one”, or “my master” or “my teacher.” 

·      Jesus was enormously popular, drawing crowds, using questions, discussions, proverbs, parable, symbolic actions, and even miracles to teach people how to live. 

 

Questions 

·      Why do you think Jesus cautioned against His disciples in Matthew 23:8?

·      We also see “Teacher” in John 13:3-8, 12-17. Why do you think Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, making this one of the last lessons he would leave them prior to the crucifixion?

·      How have you experienced people in leadership serving you? 

·      Do you see your primary identity as a disciple of Rabbi Jesus? How would your life be different if you did?

 

Take Aways

·      Rabbis & disciples were extremely close. They were linked for life. The idea was to live and breathe the master’s teaching, learning not just knowledge but also character. How are we so closely connected to Rabbi Jesus? Are we?

o   We are called to keep moving, growing, learning, becoming. 

o   We are lifelong disciples of Jesus.