Following Jesus as our Rabbi/Teacher
The Gospels depict Jesus as being a rabbi:
In Matthew (four times: 23:7, 8; 26:25-45), in Mark (four times: 9:5; 10:51; 11:21; 14:45),and in John (eight times: 1:38, 49; 3:2, 26; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8).
In his gospel, Luke, doesn’t use the word, but this is because he wrote for a Greek audience, and wanted to avoid words with which might confuse his readers, and so he calls Jesus a ‘teacher’.
Jesus was considered to be an especially gifted rabbi. Some rabbis were recognised as having what was known as ‘authority’ (s'mikeh). This was a formal designation, used of exceptionally gifted rabbis who were trusted to teach their own new interpretation of the Law. Such a rabbi’s unique interpretation of the meaning of Torah was popularly known as his ’yoke’. Jesus’ listeners view Him as one with that authority:
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Mt 7:28–29).
Jesus acted as a rabbi who had s'mikeh in a number ways:
- He selected a group of disciples (talmidim/apprentices) who followed him, learning as they went (Matt. 17:24; Matt. 20:29).
- He introduced new interpretations of the Torah, saying, “You have been taught . . . but I tell you . . .” (e.g. Matthew 5:31f).
- He called his followers to “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).
- He was a master storyteller who often wove biblical concepts and passages together in a new way. Like many rabbis of his day, He told parables and gave object lessons to convey truth.
- He was itinerant, teaching in synagogues, homes, and even the Temple courts (Luke 4:14-6; Matt. 5:1-2; 26:55; Mark 6:2).
- He depended on the hospitality of others to live (Luke 8:3).
- He taught his disciples for around three years before commissioning them in rabbinic style. (Matt. 28: 19)
In many cases, first century Rabbis taught out of a local Synagogue, however they were not on its payroll. Instead, they typically had a trade in order to support their role as a teacher. Even the great rabbi Gamaliel advised his students to combine their study and teaching of Torah with another occupation, typified by his most famous student, the tent- maker, Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul:
‘I [Paul] was a student of Gamaliel and was taught to follow every single law of our ancestors.’ Acts 22:3, CEV
‘Paul went to see Aquila and Priscilla and found out that they were tent makers. Paul was a tent maker too. So he stayed with them, and they worked together.’ Acts 18:2-3, CEV.
Becoming a first century talmid was a very different experience than becoming a twenty first century student. Typically, a student wants to know what their teacher knows in order to achieve a grade, complete a course, or pass an exam.
In contrast to this, a first century talmid wanted to be like their teacher - to become what the teacher was. A talmid followed their rabbi everywhere, every day, and every hour of the day – often without knowing or asking where he was going - with one simple goal; to imitate him. So much so, many Jewish scholars believe that this best explains Peter’s brief walk on water: When Jesus (his rabbi) was seen walking out on the lake, Peter (the ‘talmid’) felt the need to imitate him (Matt. 14:22-33).
A talmid rarely left his rabbi's side for fear that he would miss a teachable moment. He watched the rabbi's every move, noting how he acted and thought in any given situation. Talmidim trusted their rabbi completely, working passionately to incorporate his actions and attitudes, as well as their words into their lives. A disciple's deepest desire was to follow his rabbi so closely that he would start to think and act just like him.
Finally, when the teacher believed that his ‘talmidim’ were ready, he would commission them to become disciple makers themselves. Not only can we see this practice in Jesus’ commissioning of his followers (Matt 28:18-20), it also helps us to understand the mindset and teaching of Paul who also sought to make disciples.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk with Jesus, become like Him, and invite others to join us in the journey as His disciples and be ‘disciple makers’ ourselves!
Adapted from ‘The Apprentice - walking the way of Christ’, S. Chalke, Spring Harvest Learning Guide 2008