But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is
your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
Matthew 23:8*
The Hebrew word “Rahbee” and its Greek counterpart “Hrabbi” both mean “my teacher” or “my master.” It was a term of respect and authority given to men of renown who were teachers of the law.
Gamaliel is generally considered the first to officially receive the title “Rabbi” around 30AD. To earn the title, one needed to be the president of the Sanhedrin as Gamaliel was, or receive ordination from that group. It is thought that since the Jewish counsel disapproved of Jesus of Nazareth, they wanted to diminish what people called Him by adding bureaucratic requirements for official recognition.
Christ may not have had a framed diploma or been given an ordination ceremony, but that’s what people called Him (John 6:25). The apostles all addressed Him as Rabbi because they were chosen by Him to be His disciples. It was also the title of honor and respect that Nicodemus chose to give Him when he visited the master by night. Although Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, he was also a seeker of wisdom and truth and didn’t rush to judgment about the Galilean, as did the other council members.
Judas Iscariot also addressed Jesus with this title. It’s never recorded that the betrayer ever called Him Lord, Messiah, or Christ, but “Rabbi, Rabbi” were the last words he spoke before betraying the Savior with a kiss (Mark 14:45). It was like saying, “Nothing personal, but you’re just my teacher and I’m dropping this class.” Judas followed Jesus as a means to a scholarly career. When that didn’t seem to work, he cashed in his chips and bailed.
Charles Darwin, Joseph Stalin, and other atheists have gone to seminary. People can study the teachings of Christ without being transformed by them. It’s quite easy to call Jesus “Rabbi”; it’s something totally different to call Him Lord and Savior.
*plus 14 other times in Matthew, Mark, and John.
September 14
