WEEK ONE | The Rabbi-Talmid Relationship
Florissant Ladies Bible Study - September 8, 2022
The Gospel on the Ground Online Bible Study
Reading Assignment - Session One (p. 12-33)
Scripture Reading - Acts 1: 4-5 | Acts 1:8 | Matthew 4:18-22
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INTRODUCTION
In the 21st Century, we often emphasize areas of our faith that were of no concern to the original followers of Jesus. It has even shaped the definitions of some of the basic principles of our faith.
Discipleship
In the Western church, the concept of discipleship is relatively common. We are familiar with the standard mentor/mentee relationship that is often encouraged, as a way to develop and grow in faith.
People have been asked to complete discipleship surveys over time, and nevertheless, they may find themselves mentorless. As women, we tend to shy away from being a mentor in the church. Maybe due to a lack of understanding of the significance associated with being a mentor.
The Rabbi-Talmid Relationship
Let's take a look at the First-Century Jewish world, the one Jesus lived in, their ideas of discipleship vary greatly.
* The relationship of discipleship is the epitome of the Jewish faith. Boys as young as 3 begin learning God's Word and reciting the Scriptures. At different stages in their growth, and as boys step into manhood, there are customary expectations of how they will advance their learning.
We see this in the Scriptures (Luke 1:41-52), when Mary and Joseph lost the son of God, however, Jesus wasn't lost.
"Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. They began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions." Luke 2:44-46
The role of the Rabbi is more important than the relationship between a son and his own father!
Jesus grew up in this system and He rose in His education and even studied at the prestigious Capernaum Beit Sefer, /house of learning/ --thought to be the Harvard or Yale of his time.
At the age of 30, Jesus became a Jewish Rabbi.
He used object lessons and spoken parables, as this was common.
Jesus traveled to different synagogues and taught from the Torah.
He strung pearls of Scripture.
And at the same time, He broke the mold.
- Jesus wasn't your typical Jewish Rabbi.
- He called His disciples /talmidim/ [honoring a person well-versed in Jewish Law]
- His /talmidim/ were "common folk" instead of prestigious learners.
- He spoke to women & children.
"In a world where it was the highest honor to be able to come under the yoke of a rabbi and walk with him, Jesus, the "great one" (rabbi), did the work of seeing, choosing, and inviting people to follow Him and learn to be just like him.
Kristi Mclelland, the gospel on the ground - p. 21
Discipleship happens with and among each other and the world so that they might know who Jesus is. Discipleship is not about being more educated than the one you hope to guide and encourage. That is not Jesus' example.
Kristi tells us that Jesus met people where they were, in their places of work, in their homes, in their hot messes, and extended unconditional love and grace to them. He looked them in the face and told them they could be just like Him. And His disciples did!
Today We Learned:
* The church places emphasis on areas that are very different from the early church in Acts.
* Women in the Western church tend to shy away from the role of a mentor [disciple-maker] because they do not feel equipped.
* Jesus used many common teaching methods of 1st-century Rabbis'
* Jesus broke the mold of what a Jewish Rabbi should be through His unconventional practices.
* Jesus came to tell us that we can be just like Him.
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