The day after John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God, John stood with two disciples when Jesus walked by. John repeated his introduction, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). John’s disciples left him to follow Jesus. John 1:38-39 explains what happened next:

John 1:38-39
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

Rabbi means “my great one.” It can also be translated as “my master” or “my teacher.” This was a term that the Jews used to describe their religious teachers. In the first century it came to be known as a title.[1] It was customary for a rabbi to take disciples and teach them. The disciples would be bound to the rabbi for life. After he had taught them Scripture and Jewish traditions for several years, the disciples would then become rabbis themselves.[2]

When Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus transfigured on the mountain, God the Father spoke to them, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35). On another occasion with his disciples, Jesus declared that those who love him would do what he says (John 14:15). We worship Jesus as our Savior who paid the penalty for our sin. And…we read and study the instruction of Jesus our Teacher, who provides the words of eternal life (John 6:68). That’s why we must read the Word of God. Every day, we need to hear from Jesus, our Teacher!

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for being my Teacher. Help me to be a good student.
In your name. Amen.

[1] Zondervan Pictorial Dictionary, Vol. 5, 16.
[2] Ann Spangler, The Names of God, 175.