Jesus walked as a rabbi unique. Per custom, Rabbis of the time focused on small areas. From that space, disciples could come to them and choose them as rabbi. Of course, the rabbi held the discretionary power to accept or deny a follower, but the potential disciple initiated the connection between rabbi and disciple. This differentiates Jesus as a rabbi from the normative rabbinical behavior of the time as Matthew 4 depicts Jesus going out to the disciples and choosing them.

Also, as a part of his rabbinical ministry, Jesus preached, taught, and healed. The healers of the time put great effort into their healings, bringing attention to their techniques. In their efforts, not all received healing. In the ministry of Jesus, however, Matthew 4 tells us that all were healed through the techniques of Jesus. The techniques Jesus implemented were neither complicated nor impressive, but they proved very effective.

In the healing of all that Jesus displayed, and in the records of the traveling ministry of Jesus, we see a rabbi further contrasting the rabbis of his time. As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this devotional, traditional rabbis of the time remained in small areas, focusing on a small number of people. Jesus travelled extensively and spoke to the masses.

Through all of this, we must understand that in the time of Jesus, He broke the rules of tradition. Jesus worked outside of the box of understanding. Jesus pursued ordinary people for an extraordinary journey that would span a large area and prove most effective.

Today, in a culture that believes that their personal choice of who to follow reigns supreme, Jesus says, “I choose you. Follow me.” In a culture that looks to all sorts of mechanisms and programs for health and happiness, Jesus comes with simple power, willing to touch all people. In a culture that says, “you believe what you believe and I’ll believe what I believe so long as your beliefs do not interfere with mine,” Jesus steps into their space and preaches the good news of His Kingdom. It’s a Kingdom that must permeate every corner of life.

Today, take just one step.

Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is recognizing that the rabbi you think you want is not the rabbi you need. Perhaps there are some expectations that you have placed on Jesus that have been informed by the traditions of the culture you live in, but Jesus has another way. Maybe today the step you need to take is to say yes to following Jesus to a broader space, exchanging fishing for fish for fishing for people.

Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Invite Him to speak. He will.

Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.

sign up just below for a daily reminder of the one step devotional. click here to return to devotional list.

*Insights on rabbinical tradition and Jesus: Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992.