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October
3, 2004
THE
RABBI
"And
when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said
to Him, 'Rabbi, when did You come here?' " (John 6:25,
NKJV).
The word,
"Rabbi," is of Aramaic origin and is synonymous
with "teacher" or "master." It was used
as an expression of honor and deep respect in addressing teachers,
masters, and people in scholastic circles. Only in the Gospel
of John is Jesus addressed by this title. John uses the title
six times. Two of the most memorable instances of the word
in addressing Jesus are Nathanael's confession, "Rabbi,
You are the Son of God!" (John 1:49, NKJV), and Nicodemus'
respectful compliment to Jesus, "Rabbi, we know that
You are a teacher come from God" (John 3:2, NKJV).
According
to John, it seems that during the early days of the disciples'
association with Jesus, they generally called Him, "Rabbi."
However, "with a deepening conviction that He is indeed
the Sent of God, they later call Him 'Lord' (John 6:68; 11:12;
13:6, etc.). After the resurrection, the title 'Lord' is always
used of Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22), never 'Rabbi.' "--SDA
Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 909.
Certainly,
no teacher or master in history was ever more deserving of
the high honor and distinction embodied in this title. Nicodemus
was correct; Jesus was indeed a Rabbi, a "teacher come
from God" (John 3:2, NKJV). No teacher, scholar, or wise
man could equal His knowledge, wisdom, and mastery of all
things human and divine. From Him flowed life, wisdom, truth,
knowledge, and power. To all who desire to learn the way of
salvation, Jesus is the peerless Rabbi. Ellen G. White makes
this beautiful comment: "Of one purpose only were they
[the disciples] conscious. One presence filled their thought.
They exclaimed. 'Rabbi,... where dwellest Thou?' In a brief
interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which
they longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at
His feet, and hear His words."--The Desire of Ages.
p. 138.
My
Prayer Today: Lord, like Nicodemus, I know You are
the Rabbi "come from God," and like Nathanael, I
confess, "You are the Son of God." Amen.
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