In the first century, rabbis (teacher or master) held a significant place in the life of the Jewish people. A rabbi had studied at the feet of another Rabbi and was schooled in all the matters of the Law and the Prophets. He was both a teacher and a judge who ruled in many matters pertaining to the Law of Moses..typically in the community where he lived. All Jewish men went to school in their local synagogue and were often taught by a rabbi. After learning the basics of the Law, those who showed interest and acumen in spiritual matters could approach a rabbi and ask to become one of his disciples or students. After some consideration, he would accept them or reject them. Of course, there was greater standing in being schooled by more prominent rabbis who were known for their academic prowess and wisdom. These disciples would spend their days with the rabbi to not only study but to see how he lived. When a rabbi thought a student was ready, he could ordain him to also be a rabbi. Because the life of Israel revolved around the Law, rabbis were essential for life and faith.

Jesus was also called Rabbi. However, he differed from others rabbis in a few important ways. First of all, he had not been a disciple of another rabbi. On several occasions in the gospels, someone asked where and from whom Jesus had gained all his knowledge and wisdom about the scriptures. Of course, he had been schooled by the ultimate rabbi…the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his followers, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (Jn.`4:26). In addition to Jesus, we also have the Holy Spirit as our rabbi.

A second difference was his approach to disciples. Ordinarily, the students applied to the rabbi to enter his school. Jesus, on the other hand, sought out his disciples (especially the twelve) and asked them to “Follow me!” Later he reminded them, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last (Jn. 15:16). We too are called to follow. ““No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn.6:44). God seeks us out and extends the invitation to come and follow. Of course, we can say yes or no to the invitation.

I think they greatest lesson we learn from the rabbis is that disciples did not simply want to know everything the rabbi knew, but they wanted to know how he lived. They wanted to imitate his lifestyle as well as knowing the Torah. During his public ministry, the twelve apostles and a number of other disciples followed Jesus daily. The twelve went with him wherever and whenever he went. Again the idea was not just to hear him teach and take notes, but also to see how he lived, how he prayed, how he treated people who were poor and how he treated people who were rich. They wanted to experience him, not just know what he knew.

Too often, as believers we simply want more knowledge of the scriptures…which is a good thing…but incomplete. What we need to do is experience Jesus by living as he lived. That doesn’t necessarily mean we give up our jobs and wander from town to town teaching and healing, although that is a profound option. After all, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father” (Jn. 14:11-13).

I think what I need to keep learning from Jesus were his priorities that I see him live out in the gospels – extended alone time with the Father; making disciples of those the Father gave to him by sharing his life with them; sharing the good news of the kingdom of God as he met people along the way; always putting the Father’s agenda ahead of his own; being kind to broken people by extending heaven’s grace to them; confronting religion and pointing people to relationship; putting the needs of others ahead of his own; being more people-oriented than task-oriented; drawing close to a few while not forgetting the masses; dispensing the love of God through healing and deliverance; and always speaking the truth in love.

There is much more, but my point is that I love to talk about Jesus, but what I need is to live out Jesus. That is the role of a disciple who has been joined to a rabbi. Sometimes I can learn that by spending time with another disciple who has duplicated the life of Jesus much more than myself. Sometimes I need to spend more time at the feet of Rabbi Holy Spirit. I know for sure, I need to spend more alone time with the Father.
Where ever you are in your walk with Rabbi Jesus, I hope you will give more thought to learning how he lived as much as learning what he taught. I believe that is where we will find the “abundant life” we all want.

Blessings in Him today.