Jesus, Rabbi
He is addressed as Rabbi, Teacher
Each generation has the responsibility of passing on to the next the learning of the ages; those charged with ensuring that the “young” learn we call teachers. In our society we, the people, have determined that education is the responsibility of the government. In other societies the lessons to be preserved were rituals of faith, secrets of the gods, so the teacher often was an official of the sacred structure—priest, shaman, druid, magician. In some areas teachers were wandering philosophers preaching their visions of reality. Other teachers were employees or slaves of wealthy citizens charged with instructing the sons and daughters of the elite the charms and ways of the aristocracy. Most frequently for all societies education of the young happens at home and the teachers we all have are mothers and fathers.
He is addressed as Rabbi, Teacher
Each generation has the responsibility of passing on to the next the learning of the ages; those charged with ensuring that the “young” learn we call teachers. In our society we, the people, have determined that education is the responsibility of the government. In other societies the lessons to be preserved were rituals of faith, secrets of the gods, so the teacher often was an official of the sacred structure—priest, shaman, druid, magician. In some areas teachers were wandering philosophers preaching their visions of reality. Other teachers were employees or slaves of wealthy citizens charged with instructing the sons and daughters of the elite the charms and ways of the aristocracy. Most frequently for all societies education of the young happens at home and the teachers we all have are mothers and fathers.
Who have been your teachers? What did you call them? How do you feel about them? How did they instruct you?
As you read Mark’s gospel, soon you will find Jesus addressed as Rabbi or Teacher. The name carries the voice of the sacred for a rabbi was a teacher of God’s way with God’s people Israel. A rabbi was one who knew well the Holy Scriptures. Rabbis were parts of various schools of interpretation and skilled in arguing the meaning of God’s word. Rabbi meant respected teacher.
Jesus fit these descriptions and more. His teaching not only confounded the authorities but also illuminated the poor. Jesus taught with tools we find very modern—he told stories and asked his hearers to find the truth. Jesus used the ordinary events of his audience’s living so that the sacred and secular became one. Jesus challenged the all-knowing and encouraged the weak. Jesus taught both in word and deed.
Jesus, Rabbi, teach me this day God’s way. Amen.
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