Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ashes to the Empty Tomb
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JESUS THE RABBI Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher… Matthew 19:16
The term rabbi in the time of Jesus did not necessarily refer to a specific office or occupation. That would be true only after the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed (70 AD). Rather, it was a word meaning “great one” or “my master” which was applied to many kinds of people in everyday speech. It clearly was used as a term of respect for one’s teacher as well, even though the formal position of rabbi would come later. In one sense then calling Jesus “Rabbi” is an anachronism. In another sense the use of this term for him by the people of his day is a measure of their great respect for him as a person and as a teacher and not just a reference to the activity of teaching that he was engaged in.
Many people referred to Jesus as Rabbi. His disciples (Luke 7:40), lawyers (Matt. 22:35-36), ordinary people (Luke 12:13), the rich (Matt. 19:16), Pharisees (Luke 19:39), and Sadducees (Luke 20:27-28). Jesus fit the description of a first century rabbi especially one at the most advanced level—the one sought by talmidim.
Like the typical rabbis of his day, Jesus:
• Depended on the hospitality of others (Luke 8:3).
• Traveled, teaching outside or in synagogues, homes, and even the Temple courts (Luke 4:14-6; Matt. 5:1-2; 26:55; Mark 6:2).
• Was accompanied by his disciples (Matt. 17:24; Matt. 20:29). He selected a group of students who followed Him, learning as they went.
• Encouraged his followers to take on the "yoke of Torah" (i.e., they would commit to obeying Torah as the rabbi taught) (Matt. 11:29-30).
• Taught mainly from the first five books of the Old Testament.
Ask yourself, do you see Jesus as your Rabbi? Or do you only see him as a Savior for you! We must always remember that Jesus saved us for a purpose – to change us, and to use us for His Kingdom. Are we letting him teach us?
Prayer
Jesus, you have SO much to teach me, things that will help me in living life. Forgive me for being such a lax student at times. Let me sit at your feet and learn!! Amen
Jesus, you have SO much to teach me, things that will help me in living life. Forgive me for being such a lax student at times. Let me sit at your feet and learn!! Amen
Posted by Tim Hetzner at Wednesday, March 04. 2009 
Categories: JESUS THE RABBI
Tags: Ashes to the Empty Tomb
Categories: JESUS THE RABBI
Tags: Ashes to the Empty Tomb
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