Jesus: More than Just Our Teacher

“Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” which is Hebrew for “Teacher” (John 20:16).

When Mary recognised the risen Lord she responded saying, "Rabboni," which means, "My Teacher, my Great One, my Master." Most people called Jesus, "Rabbi." But to Mary, the resurrected Christ was more. Is he more than a teacher to you?

The office of Rabbi is not in found in the Old Testament. Rabbis taught the way of the Torah (and still do). They came about because the children of Israel wanted to return to the ways of God after decades of rebellion.

Jesus was "Rabbi" to many: Judas, the other disciples, Bartimaeus, and Nicodemus. He was a great tutor with many followers. Jesus fit the description of a Rabbi. But Mary took it further. She called him, "Rabboni. My Rabbi. My Great One." He was not just another teacher to her. He was hers. Her Teacher.

The world is full of varying belief systems and doctrines. There are around 4200 different religions today. But Christianity was never meant to be one out of 4200. It didn’t start that way. It did not begin as a Jewish sect. It was not launched out of rules, ideologies, angelic visitations, heavenly visions, or trances. It started on resurrection day, when Jesus called Mary by name, and she responded, “My Teacher, my Master.” Christianity is personal, initiated in relationship.

You are valued by God.

Isaiah 43:1 says, "I have called you by name; you are mine." Jesus calls you by name. You are his. You are not a number. He knows what you like. He knows what concerns you. He understands your personality. What he speaks to your heart is unique.

God values you. He wants to have a relationship with you. You. That is why Jesus came. He died to restore relationship with humankind. He longs to be with you, talk to you, love you. Cherish your relationship with him.

Jesus wants to be Teacher & Master in your life.

These days there is Bible teaching aplenty – Christian television, podcasts, live streaming, and sites such as Crosswalk. It is easy to get your hands on quality Christian material, and for this we should be thankful. However, great sermons should never take the place of a personal revelation of Christ. Jesus wants to be your teacher. It is the most exciting part of a relationship with him.

I know many people struggle in discerning the voice of God. Admittedly, it is not an exact science. God speaks to his children all the time. The question is: am I listening? Or perhaps, how do I tune myself to his voice?

Hearing the voice of God for yourself.

Holy Spirit sounds a lot like me. Seriously, he does. His voice in my head sounds much like my own. But when he speaks, I know it's not me, it's God. Cryptic and confusing, yes? Stay with me.

God's voice will not be big, booming, or immensely profound. Well, it might be, but definitely not all the time. It will always bring a sense of peace. Holy Spirit will calm the raging storm, and quiet confusion. Still and small, that's God.

And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

Holy Spirit never contradicts the Bible. Ever. So if you are unsure whether God is speaking, go to the Word. If Scripture supports what God spoke to your heart, it was God.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12).

Holy Spirit is encouraging. God will not remind you of failures, or tell you that you are a loser. That would be the devil. The accuser will place those thoughts in your mind, not God. Holy Spirit will counteract those ideas, reminding you of God's great love, and that you have been made righteous once and for all though the sacrifice of his Son.

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As Romans 8:1 says, Holy Spirit will never condemn you. Again, that is Satan. What Father will do is bring healing and hope. The voice of God will lift you higher. Holy Spirit urges change propelling us toward our future. His voice is infused with love, not anger.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Be aware and listen. God is talking to you.

Jesus Christ is more than a teacher, prophet, or good man. He is God. God who died, and rose again. And he is calling you. He wants to be more than just a teacher in your life. Is he "Rabboni" to you?

Sarah Coleman is an Australian author and communicator. Her books include Single Christian Female and Make Yourself Amazing. She is passionate about the Kingdom of God. She also loves being a wife and mother to two boys. To read more of Sarah's thoughts go to sarahcoleman.com.au.

Original Publication date: April 8, 2014, Photo credit: ©GettyImages AaronAmat