The Disciple and His Teacher

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! (Matthew 10:24-25).

Jesus spoke to His disciples regarding their work, which was His work through them, and the response of the people to their work, which was their response to His work. Jesus said some would not receive them or their message just as many did not receive Him or His message. But there would be others who would respond to Jesus through their work. In this way the disciple is like his Teacher, but not above his Teacher.

Jesus was, and is, the Master Teacher. All disciples are His students. We learn from Him the will and ways of the Lord and His Kingdom. Jesus came to serve the Father and those to whom the Father sent (Luke 22:27). In this was the servant is like his Master, but not above his Master.

It is interesting that Jesus said If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul . . . . The Pharisees did call Jesus a servant of Beelzebul (Matthew 9:34; 12:24). The Scribes said Jesus was possessed by (had the power of) Beelzebul, the ruler of demons (Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15). This was blasphemy, for He is the Son of God and the Servant of God, not the Servant of Satan. Since that epitaph was given to Jesus by those who hated Him, He warned the disciples that they would be called the same, since they were His disciples.

Christians are called to be like Jesus Christ. We are to live His life (Galatians 2:20). We are to tell others about Him and to teach them the things He has taught us (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to possess the same character qualities that He possessed (Galatians 5:22-23). Since the world hated, and still hates Jesus, we should expect the world to hate us as well (Matthew 5:10-12). But there will be those who are drawn to Jesus through us and the Christ-life we live (Matthew 5:13-16). Therefore, we should never shy away from being faithful to Jesus Christ in our words, works, or ways, knowing that the Holy Spirit will draw people to Jesus because of us.

“Thank You, Lord, for calling me to discipleship to Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is a joy to serve You and to see people come to faith in You through my witness and work. All of the glory goes to You. And thank You for continuing to teach me through Your Word and by the wisdom and leadership of Your Holy Spirit. It is a joy to teach others those things You have taught me, and to see them grow in faith and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. To Your honor and praise I pray, Amen.”

Pastor