Teacher as Lord
Jesus as teacher Levites Jeshua Moses seat master
priest elder authority
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There can be confusion in
some English Bibles because Jesus is sometimes quoted as instructing us not
to call anyone teacher. "But you, do
not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all
brethren" (Mat 23:8). "And do not be called teachers;
for One is your Teacher, the Christ." (Mat 23:10)
The Greek word used in
both these (Mat 23) cases is ‘kathegetes’. The context as well as the word carries a
strong connection with the concept of a master as opposed to a simple
teacher. The King James Version actually uses ‘master’ in these
verses. Master is not the intent of the function mentioned in I
Corinthians 12:28. A bishop was to be "able to teach" (I Tim
3:2, II Tim 2:2, 24). Not everyone was fully versed in the
scriptures. Although many gentile converts frequented the local
synagogue, some undoubtedly had not frequented the synagogue. II
Timothy 2:24 endorses patience and gentleness in the same breath. The
teacher was not aloof and did not consider himself to
be a cut above the student. The teacher was not in that function for
any personal glory, but to pass along godly values, godly edification based
on faith.
"charge some that
they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless
genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in
faith" (I Tim1:3b).
Although the primary
meaning of kathegetes is master or guide, it
does imply a teacher as well. Our real teacher is the holy spirit. Yeshua is not
walking among us today like He did in New Testament times. "But
the Helper, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring
to your remembrance all things that I said to you"
(John 14:26). Actually the spirit cannot be spearated from Messiah (II
Cor 3:17).
This was specifically
directed at the Apostles, but God wants everyone to understand His way.
He is a rewarder of those that diligently
seek Him (Heb 11:6). One does not need to be an apostle. He will
support anyone who truly regards His words with awe and respect (Isa
66:2). We should be open to suggestion from anyone, but set the Word of
God as our final guide. Take care to read it slowly and carefully for
what it says, not for what we think, or what someone told us, it means.
Messiah was the ‘kathegetes’
of His disciples. They looked to Him alone for guidance and instruction. In
modern terms the relationship was like a mentor and student or master and
apprentice. We can learn from whatever sources are available. Ultimately, we
can trust Messiah alone and the instruction He left us.