Do you have a favourite title for Jesus. I think near the top of my list is Master. Perhaps this may have something to do with that on leaving school I started an apprenticeship and after initial schooling in the training centre was assigned to a Master Craftsman who took me under his wing as I followed his lead and refined my skills.
The actual word translated Master in some versions of the scripture comes from the Hebrew word Rabbi - teacher. Rabbi, (Hebrew: “my teacher” or “my master”). In Judaism, a person qualified by academic studies of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud to act as spiritual leader and religious teacher of a Jewish community or congregation.
In John 20:16 we find Mary at the tomb and at the moment of recognising the Risen Jesus, says, “Raboni!” Whilst this title has a similar meaning to Rabbi - teacher, some interpret Rabboni as meaning honoured or dear teacher. Other scholars also say that God is spoken of as Rabboni; does this indicate that Mary’s entreaty at the tomb, Rabboni is a confession that sees in her dear Rabbi God incarnate.
Of the 90 times Jesus was addressed directly in the gospels, 60 times he was called Teacher. This was the word the multitudes used. This was how the disciples referred to him. Jesus himself used the term when he said, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13). When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he said, “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God” (John 3:2).
If Jesus was the supreme teacher, what of his pupils? Consider his final words, his last instructions, his ultimate command as given to us in the King James Version: “Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19 KJV). His final command was a teaching command.
You servants of God, your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name all-victorious of Jesus extol;
his kingdom is glorious and rules over all.
God rules in the height, almighty to save;
though hid from our sight, his presence we have;
the great congregation his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.
‘Salvation to God, who sits on the throne’
let all cry aloud, and honour the Son;
the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.
Then let us adore and give him his right:
all glory and power, all wisdom and might,
all honour and blessing with angels above
and thanks never ceasing for infinite love.
Charles Wesley
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