Disciples and Following Rabbis in the Time of Jesus
Disciples and Following Rabbis: Learning to Walk in the Footsteps of a Teacher
Disciples and Following Rabbis in the Time of Jesus
What Did It Mean to Be a Disciple?
One of the most important concepts for understanding the ministry of Jesus is discipleship.
Today, people often think of a disciple as a student in a classroom.
In the time of Jesus, a disciple was much more than a student.
A disciple followed a rabbi closely, learning not only what the rabbi taught but also how the rabbi lived.
Discipleship involved a relationship, a commitment, and a way of life.
Understanding this practice helps explain why Jesus called people to follow Him and why the disciples left everything to do so.
The Goal Was More Than Knowledge
Ancient discipleship was not primarily about gathering information.
The goal was transformation.
A disciple sought to:
Learn the rabbi’s teachings
Observe the rabbi’s behavior
Imitate the rabbi’s character
Adopt the rabbi’s priorities
Live according to the rabbi’s interpretation of Scripture
The disciple desired to become like the teacher.
Education in Jewish Society
Jewish children learned Scripture from an early age.
Many boys studied portions of the Torah and learned the stories of God’s people.
Only a small number continued advanced study under respected rabbis.
Most eventually entered family occupations.
A few pursued the opportunity to become disciples of a teacher.
Normally the Student Chose the Rabbi
In most cases, a student sought permission to follow a rabbi.
The rabbi decided whether the student was worthy of becoming a disciple.
This made Jesus’ approach unusual.
Rather than waiting for people to apply, Jesus personally called His followers.
Jesus Chose His Disciples
Jesus approached ordinary people and said:
“Follow Me.”
He called:
Fishermen
Tax collectors
Tradesmen
Ordinary workers
Men who would not normally have been considered elite religious students
This demonstrated that God’s Kingdom is open to ordinary people.
Leaving Everything Behind
When Jesus called His disciples, many left behind:
Fishing boats
Family businesses
Tax booths
Comfort and security
Following a rabbi required commitment and sacrifice.
The disciples trusted Jesus enough to reorder their lives around Him.
Traveling With the Rabbi
Disciples spent significant time with their teacher.
They walked together.
Shared meals.
Listened to teaching.
Observed miracles.
Asked questions.
Served alongside the rabbi.
Learning happened through daily life as much as formal instruction.
Learning Through Observation
Disciples carefully watched their rabbi.
They learned:
How he prayed
How he treated people
How he responded to challenges
How he interpreted Scripture
How he served God
Jesus modeled a life of obedience, compassion, humility, and faith.
A Common Saying
Jewish tradition included a saying:
“May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi.”
he image describes disciples walking so closely behind their teacher that the dust from the road covered them.
The goal was to stay near enough to learn everything possible.
Jesus Redefined Discipleship
Jesus taught His followers to do more than learn information.
He called them to:
Deny themselves
Take up their cross
Serve others
Love enemies
Trust God
Make disciples
Following Jesus required complete commitment.
Women as Followers of Jesus
Jesus welcomed women among His followers.
Women such as:
Mary Magdalene
Mary of Bethany
Martha
Other faithful women
learned from Him and supported His ministry.
This was notable in the cultural setting of the first century.
From Disciples to Apostles
The disciples eventually became leaders of the early Church.
Jesus trained them so they could continue His mission after His resurrection and ascension.
The Great Commission expanded this call to future generations.
The Great Commission
Jesus commanded His followers:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Notice that He did not simply say:
“Make converts.”
He said:
“Make disciples.”
The goal is lifelong growth and obedience.
Why This Matters for Understanding Jesus
Understanding discipleship helps explain:
Why the disciples left everything
Why they traveled with Jesus
How they learned from Him
The importance of the Great Commission
The growth of the early Church
Much of the Gospel story centers on Jesus preparing disciples to continue His work.
Missing Context Check
Modern education often focuses on information and classroom learning.
Ancient discipleship focused on relationships, imitation, and transformation.
A disciple’s goal was not merely to know what the teacher knew.
The goal was to become like the teacher.
This helps explain why Jesus spent so much time living alongside His followers.
Key Lessons From Disciples and Following Rabbis
Following Jesus is more than learning facts.
Discipleship involves transformation.
Jesus calls ordinary people.
Learning happens through relationship.
Faith requires commitment.
Every believer is called to make disciples.
The goal is becoming more like Christ.
Related Lessons
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
3.1 John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3.4 Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.8 Peter’s Confession
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Related Pages
The Role of a Rabbi in the Time of Jesus
Synagogues in the Time of Jesus
Homes and Family Life in the Time of Jesus
Fishermen and the Sea of Galilee
The Great Commission
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Spiritual Growth
Continue Learning
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
3.4 Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.7 The Great Commission
The first disciples followed Jesus not simply as students, but as apprentices learning a new way of life. Their example reminds believers today that discipleship is more than knowledge—it is a daily commitment to walk closely with Christ, learn from Him, and become more like Him.
Visit PGUM.org to learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.**
