18) Birthrite: Rabbi

Rabbi with Torah. Marc Chagall
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, 'Rabbi' (which means 'Teacher'), “where are you staying?”

 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” John 1:36-39.

Good old Wikipedia explains how 'Rabbinic Judaism' developed after the destruction of the second temple in 70 AD.  So we must be careful in our understanding of the biblical Rabbi, and the contemporary Rabbi.  Indeed, the role of the modern Rabbi, it suggests, was very much modeled on the functions of the contemporary protestant pastor or minister. 

This story is delightful.  John says to his friends - "That guy is incredible."  The friends say "let's investigate."  The call out to Jesus, "Respect".  Jesus invitingly replies "come and join me.  See what you make of it."

Jesus does exactly the same for us.

PRAYER:  Jesus, I see you and you invite me to follow.