Master-Teacher Appreciation Month

A master, or rabbi, was someone that taught and trained up his students in the law of God. The masters, or teachers, in the church were those responsible for teaching and training Christ followers up in the law of Christ.

(The Arabs had their Rabb (lord), the Babylonians had their Rab, and the Jews had their Rabbi, which was a master teacher [Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" (Joh 1:38)].)

Christ needed the apostles to be master-teachers [didaskolos] in order to teach and train pupils in the law of Christ, and in turn, the apostles needed master-teachers in the church to do likewise as the church grew. Being a master-teacher in God's church is a big responsibility. "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers [didaskolos- master], knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." (Jas 3:1)

Due to the seriousness of their position, it was common for the master-teachers to be financially supported by God's people so that they could more fully devote themselves to prayer and the study of God's word.

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN," and, "THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES."
(1Ti 5:17-18)

Go therefore and make disciples [i.e., pupils; the Latin 'discipulus' means 'pupil'] of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching [didasko; a didaskolos, or teacher, is a 'master-teacher'] them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
(Mat 28:19-20)

The master-teachers are not those that simply teach students what to believe, but are those that train up students in how to live out what they believe. Not a responsibility to be taken likely. So where are today's master-teachers? They are called by the name "pastor". This month is pastor appreciation month, so take the time to let your master-teacher know that you appreciate their devotion to the Lord, to His Word, and to you and your loved ones.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.