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The Teacher-Disciple Relationship

Text: Matthew 10 : 16 - 31

Was there a special kinship between Jesus and this group of 12 Apostles? What was so special about their relationship? This text may hold the key to these questions.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a
servant above his master.”
Matthew 10:24

1. A general proverbial statement

This statement may first be read as a proverbial saying. When a person becomes a disciple, of course he is not above his teacher. If a person is a servant, then it follows that he is not above his master. This proverbial saying was certainly true when applied to the relationship between the disciples and Jesus.

However, in life’s circumstances, it is possible for a disciple to surpass his teacher. It is even possible for a servant to one day be freed from the yoke of slavery!

2. A special relationship between Jesus and His disciples

How may we describe the relationship that existed between Jesus and His disciples? We may actually speak of a multi-layered relationship between them. Let’s highlight some of these layers of the special relationship established.

a) Friend-friend

May we speak of a special bond of friendship between them? Yes, we may! However, at this point of time, the disciples would probably not dare to describe their relationship using this term of reference.

b) Master-servant relationship

The word “servant” used in this text (doulos) was normally used to describe “a slave”. These often functioned as household slaves (servants). The Roman Empire endorsed the concept of slavery. These were usually prisoners of war. Conquered nations yielded many unwilling slaves.

The disciples were not technically slaves. They were ruled by the Romans, but their status was not that of slaves. Yet, Jesus may indeed describe their relationship as Master and slave. How may this be understood?

The answer lies in the word “lord”. Did not the leper call Jesus “lord”? Did not the Roman centurion also own Jesus as “lord”? What does the word “lord” signify? What were some of the ramifications?

One of the implications of the “lordship” of Jesus would be to raise Him way above the level of the disciples. Just how high would that level be? How high may Jesus be raised? High enough for Him to be called “Lord” and the disciples “slaves”? Yes, if the disciples had a proper understanding of the Messiahship of Jesus! Yes, if they recognized Him as the Only begotten Son of God!

c) A Disciple-Teacher relationship

This layer of relationship certainly existed! But there was more than just the usual disciple-teacher respect existing between them! Jesus was more than just a highly exalted rabbi! He was the Divine Teacher! To be called to be His disciples was an extremely great privilege. They must never take that for granted!

Earthly disciples may surpass their earthly teachers. In fact good teachers always hope that they would be able to find disciples who would one day surpass them in terms of knowledge and fame.

In this particular situation, no disciple would ever dream that he would surpass this Teacher! It would be great just to be known as the disciples of Jesus!

FORTIFYING THE DISCIPLES FURTHER

Jesus went on to encourage His disciples further with this statement.

“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his
teacher, and a servant like his master. If they
have called the master of the house Beelzebub,
how much more will they call those of his household!”
Matthew 10:25

Jesus was well aware of what His enemies were saying about Him. When He healed a mute who was demon-possessed, the Pharisees said,

“He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”
Matthew 9:34

This remark was ignored at that point of time. However, His silence did not mean that He had not heard that snide remark! Jesus used this occasion to warn his disciples further that their enemies might well hurl all kinds of hurtful remarks against them too!

“If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub”

The NKJV text translates the Greek word (Beelzeboul) as “Beelzebub”. This translation was carried over from the KJV translation. Over the years these two words are often seen as alternative spellings. Actually, a distinction may be made between the two words.

1. Beelzeboul

Jesus made another reference to “Beelzeboul” and this was recorded in Matthew 12: 24-27. This word is a reference to “the prince of demons”.

2. Beelzebub

This was a name of one of the gods of Ekron, an ancient tribe (Cf.2 Kings 1:2). This name may be translated as “Lord of the flies”. It is unlikely that the Pharisees would associate Jesus with the Ekronite god.

The Pharisees went all out to spoil the good name of Jesus. They associated Him with the lord of the demons. If they would do that to Him, the disciples must be fortified within their hearts against this kind of mud-slinging tactics!