A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.
Jesus taught his disciples about the principles of discipleship, by giving them examples of how a disciple should conduct themselves. He told them that the disciple is not above His teacher, and the servant is not above his master. In other words, discipleship requires the position of submission of the one being taught.
A disciple should be willing to listen and learn about kingdom principles, and how to build the kingdom of God; without questioning those principles. A respect for the teacher must be in place, in order for the student to learn from the teacher. There can be no preconceived ideas of how the teacher should conduct him or herself.
When we as students of the word of God, respect the teachers that the Lord has placed over us, we will begin to appreciate their investment of time in our lives. We will be thankful that God saw fit to put them in our lives, to instruct, and to teach us the ways, and things of God. We should always remember the mercy and grace of God, in bringing us into the presence of those He trust to teach us His word; by giving him honor in honoring them.
God did not send teachers into our lives to be judgmental of them in any way, shape, or form; He sent them to teach us. The purpose of the teacher is to teach us how to continue building the kingdom of God, and how to conduct ourselves as children of God; for His glory.
Reflection:
Allowing petty differences to come between us and those that have been entrusted over us, will block our spiritual growth; and delay us from fulfilling and completing our purpose. Let us remember that nothing is worth stunting our walk with Christ. If there is an issue within our leadership, that we are allowing to hinder us from focusing on the things of God; we ourselves, should submit ourselves to God in prayer.
Pressing on toward our purpose in the Lord Jesus Christ, is how God is glorified; anything else is fruitless, and can only produce continued barrenness. Appreciating those whom God has strategically placed in our lives, will move us forward into the things of God; and He will be glorified in our obedience.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for your continual reminder through the pages of your word, to be appreciative of those that you have placed over me to teach me your ways. I thank you for all of the teachers, and leaders that you have placed in my life; for the purpose of building the kingdom of God for you. I give your glory, honor, and praise; and I thank you for the people that you have invested in my life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Strong's Concordance Definitions:
A disciple: 3101
1) a learner, pupil, disciple
is not above: 5228
1) in behalf of, for the sake of
2) over, beyond, more than
3) more, beyond, over
his teacher: 1320
1) a teacher
2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man
a) one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so
b) the teachers of the Jewish religion
c) of those who by their great power as teachers draw crowds around them i.e. John the Baptist, Jesus
d) by preeminence used of Jesus by himself, as one who showed men the way of salvation
e) of the apostles, and of Paul
f) of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit
g) of false teachers among Christians
a slave: 1401
1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition
a) a slave
b) metaph., one who gives himself up to another's will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men
c) devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests
2) a servant, attendant
his master: 2962
1) he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord
a) the possessor and disposer of a thing
1) the owner; one who has control of the person, the master
2) in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor
b) is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants greet their master
c) this title is given to: God, the Messiah
Dictionary.com
- Disciple: One of the 12 personal followers of Christ.
- One of the 70 fellowers sent forth by Christ (Luke 10:1)
- Any follower of Christ
- A person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; a disciple of Freud.
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 10 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 14 Jan 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=10&t=NASB
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