Thoughtful Faith
In His teaching style, Jesus was acting as a rabbi - (a term of respect for a teacher, they played a central role in Hebrew educational and spiritual formation). The rabbinic teaching style consisted not in attending lectures, reading texts, and mastering the material.
Rather it focused upon personal service to the master as a way of getting to know a particular rabbi's way of life. This was a practical course of study, because the rabbis' knowledge could only be taught from life to life. Rabbis had no interest in having a student spit back information just for information’s sake. They wanted to know if the student understood, if he had wrestled with the teaching - they had thought about it.
The Gospels depict Jesus as being a rabbi:
- Matthew (four times)
- Mark (four times)
- John (eight times)
But Jesus was a rabbi like no other!
Most rabbis only taught accepted interpretations of the Torah. However, a few achieved special recognition. They were recognised as having what was known as ‘authority’.
This was used of exceptionally gifted rabbis who were trusted to teach their own new interpretation of the Law.
Jesus’s listeners viewed 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).
He introduced new interpretations of the Torah, the law…repeatedly in the sermon on the mount:
You have heard that it was said…. But I tell you’ (Mt 5:21–22)
A rabbi’s unique interpretation of the meaning of Torah was popularly known as his ’yoke’.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Mt 11:28–30).
A first century talmid (disciple/apprentice) 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. Many 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).
By the end of a day of walking in the dirt directly behind their rabbi, the students would have the dust of his feet all over them.
Let’s be those who walk closely with Jesus - and think and wrestle with our faith as people of faithfulness!