Rabbi

 

    Rabbi (RAB-eye) is רַבִּי in Hebrew.  It means "my teacher", "my master", or "my great one".  This name refers to Jesus.  It is a name of respect for the spiritual leader.  It is a formal title of a distinguished scholar.  The name was used in the Old Testament as a description of Jesus to help people understand what to expect when he came.  It was used 12 times in the New Testament as a title of respect.

    Many people he met understood that he was powerful and different, but they also only believed he was a rabbi.  Jesus was special and people knew it even thought they did not understand that He was so much more than Rabbi.  Jesus held the authority of God so his teachings are spiritual as well as practical.  

    Rabbis were know as teachers of the law.  It was not common for people to be able to read and really study the torah, so a rabbi was known to be educated and considered a pillar in the community.  They held the understanding of God's word and the community depended on them to be able to learn.

    You would never pray to a Rabbi, but when you pray to Jesus using this name it is to display respect and your need to knowledge or wisdom.  When you pray the purpose is to submit to God's authority.  Go to him with your doubts and concerns.  Ask him to teach or show you how to follow him faithfully.  Ask him how to humbly use the authority that he put in your when you became a Christian.

Matthew 23:8-12, Luke 9:1-6, & John 1:38-49, 3:1-2