Day 263, Year 1

Prioritizing Your Relationship with the Lord 

“But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.” (Matthew 23:8 NASB)

In my opinion, believers should first settle our relationship with Jesus and other Christians for us to solve the problem of “being able to say but not to do” in faith. This includes recognizing Jesus Christ as the only one “my teacher and my Lord,” and that disciples are brothers and sisters in Him. In fact, many Israelites place great importance on relationships with one another. Notably, in the Book of Acts and subsequent scriptures, many people who instruct others on the truth are referred to as teachers. And this is actually defined and established through the exercise of relevant spiritual gifts. It can be said that those who teach in the church are all the assistants of the Lord Jesus. If we are called by God to teach the truth, we are to learn and teach according to His doctrine. Jesus pointed out that no disciples should be called “rabbi” to emphasize that His teaching should not be privatized in any way.

Jesus established Himself as the only “Rabbi” of His disciples, indeed forming a school of His own outside the Pharisaic system. As recorded in the Gospels, Jesus was the only Rabbi among His disciples because He was sent by the Father, and received and taught many of God’s revelations. These characteristics also became a model for teachers in the church thereafter. Furthermore, in today’s verse, Jesus seems to be addressing the problem in the disciples’ relationships. When they were called to be disciples together, He pointed out that none of them should be called “my teacher” anymore, for Jesus is our only “teacher.” They were all students and brothers to one another. In my understanding, those disciples were companions in faith, akin to brothers in a family, with their bond surpassing all other relationships.

Once the relationship between the Teacher and the brothers and sisters is established, problems within the faith community could be resolved more easily, since the disciples need to seek Jesus to resolve any conflicts between us. Moreover, every believer must avoid the vanity of striving for superior glory inside the community, or even privatizing God’s teaching. Jesus indicates that among believers, only God is superior, and our relationship with the Lord must be paramount, compared with others. In this way, we can fully learn the essence of practicing the truth from Jesus’ guidance and instruction.

Reflection questions:

1) Have you recognized the Lord Jesus Christ as your one and only teacher? If so, what recent examples are there where you sought guidance from Jesus?

2) Are there any brothers and sisters around you whom you may consider your spiritual companions to help and support each other?