During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

Rabbi/Rabboni

I’ve had some wonderful teachers through my life. You can probably say the same. They are great communicators. They understand the dynamics of a classroom or setting. They change their teaching style to meet the needs of their audience. They take an interest in their students. They lead by example. These characteristics are the makings of a great teacher.

Perhaps these are the exact reasons Jesus was given the name Rabbi or Rabboni. The name Rabboni literally means “my great teacher.” And a Rabbi is a Jewish teacher or master. Either of these terms is appropriate for Jesus.

Let’s look at some of the reasons Jesus was the greatest Rabbi to ever walk this earth.

Jesus was a great communicator. On most occasions, we see great crowds around Jesus. That was the norm. As we read through some of Jesus’ teachings, we see the skills of a teacher who was able to share the Gospel message clearly and precisely.

The Apostle Paul desired to be a great communicator for God’s Kingdom. In Colossians 4:3-4 (NIV), Paul says, “Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly.”

I believe that each of us should be able to proclaim the Gospel clearly. Maybe we should make Paul’s prayer our prayer as well.

Jesus understood the dynamics of His setting. Israel had fallen under Roman rule. The Jewish nation was bound by Rome’s authority. Jesus came into this world under this fierce, heavy hand.

Jesus’ teachings brought peace into the lives of those who were living in turmoil. Take a moment to read through the Beatitudes in Matthew 6:2-12. These were gentle words in a harsh world. Or what about Matthew 5:43-48? Jesus taught the crowd to love their enemies.

Jesus provided hope to a people who only knew despair. How blessed we are to know that He offers that same hope to us.

Jesus changed His teaching style to meet the needs of His audience. I love this about Jesus. Jesus spoke in parables to help His audience understand what the Kingdom of God was like. Some understood, but many didn’t.

However, when Jesus wanted the message to be clear, He taught what the parables meant. These teaching moments were mainly with the disciples. Those closest to Him who would need to understand these ideas and concepts.

Jesus speaks to us today. Through spoken word and through God’s Word, the Bible. Oh how I pray that you are choosing to be a good student!

Jesus took an interest in His students. Jesus was a people lover. He called little children to sit on His lap. He asked women to sit at His feet. He encouraged His disciples. He blessed those who believed.

Jesus had the personal touch. Whether the person was blind, lame, poor, leprous, sick, dead, or demon possessed, Jesus was a hand’s on teacher. No one was ever too insignificant for our Lord.

Any teacher who desires to be great should learn this lesson from the greatest of all teachers. Make it personal. Take an interest in your students. Let them know you care. What a wonderful lesson!

Jesus led by example. One of Jesus’ greatest teachings is on being a servant. You’ll find reference after reference of Jesus sharing this concept. But I don’t believe the disciples understood it until Jesus showed them how to be a servant.

In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Oh, Jesus’ efforts were disrupted by Peter, but Jesus used Peter’s words as a teaching moment. Take a look at Jesus’ words.

“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17 – NIV)

Jesus’ words for His disciples are for us as well. We must follow Jesus’ example and serve one another.

The greatest Teacher (Rabboni) ever known has given us a syllabus. God’s Word is our text book. As good students of Jesus’ message, let’s strive to follow the teachings of Jesus. To quote my great Teacher, “you will be blessed if you do.”

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna