1st Century Israel, it was the greatest wish of every little boy in Hebrew School and every parent, of every little boy in Hebrew School that they make the grade and are good enough to become the disciple of a great Rabbi and walk in his footsteps, so closely that the dust kicked up by his sandals lands on them. It begins with Beth Sefer (House of the Book) age 5, synagogue school, memorizing the Torah (1st 5 books of the Old Testament). At age 10 it becomes Beth Talmud (House of Learning), memorizing and studying the rest of the Old Testament, the writings and the prophets. It is like High School and only the most promising go on from here to be apprenticed and Study under a Rabbi, only the best of the best. They hope to follow closely enough that one day they become great and respected Rabbi’s themselves. Those who don’t make the grade, who aren’t good enough, go into the family business, they are trained from young children in the trades of their fathers, just in case, because most don’t make the grade, only the very best.

Simon, Andrew, James and John, are fishermen, working in the trade of their father, they hadn’t made the grade, they weren’t good enough. Then Jesus calls them, and they suddenly drop everything, leave their nets, their work and livelihoods. What made them do it? Even greater the question for Matthew, he was rich and hated, a tax collector, and suddenly he is giving up the income that made him wealthy, returning money and walking away from it all to follow an itinerant wandering Rabbi?

They would have heard the rumors of a prophet, calling in the wilderness. But Jesus doesn’t look like the man described as the Prophet. Yet immediately they recognize him as a powerful Rabbi, they recognize His authority and that they are being given a second chance - they are being apprenticed to a Rabbi, they immediately down tools and drop everything to follow Him.

Our New Testament reading today (Compline/Supper) is from Hebrews and talks of the authority of Jesus as God’s son. Even the angels will bow in worship of Him. Many speculations have been made as to what Jesus looks like - I personally think the best is the one pictured here from the young girl who had visions of him from the time she was little. But what we know for certain is that the Disciples immediately recognized him as an important Rabbi, a lot of it is in his voice:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. - John 10:27

Apprenticeship to a Rabbi meant living with the Rabbi, "walking in his dust," to imitate his character, actions, and teachings in every aspect of life. He doesn't expect you to become like Him immediately upon conversion, like the disciples you must serve an apprenticeship to your Rabbi. To follow Jesus this closely you have to Be with Jesus, seek his presence, not just go to Church, but seek him every day, talk to him everyday, bring your mind back to him consistently, that's what this website is all about, it is a tool to aid in that endeavor. The Disciples learned Jesus was more than just a Rabbi, He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the ultimate Rabbi and our High Priest in heaven. Like them May we who have heard that voice all follow so closely we are walking in the dust of our Rabbi Jesus!