One important part of Christianity's inheritance from Judaism is the concept of discipleship. As Lois Tverberg and Ann Spangler show in the fourth chapter of Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, making disciples is central to both Jewish and Christian traditions--see Matt 28:19 and Pirke Avot 1.1.
Tverberg and Spangler explain that first-century discipleship was not just about conveying information; rather, it was about effecting a personal transformation. Like an apprentice to a skilled craftsman, a disciple entered into a prolonged close relationship with a teacher, imitating the teacher's actions as well as drinking in the teacher's words.
The prototype for the teacher/disciple relationship is the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his successor Elisha. When Elijah calls Elisha, Elisha puts his own plans aside to become Elijah's servant (I Kings 19:19-21). Elisha's dedication to Elisha becomes the model for the disciples of Jesus hundreds of years later--see e.g. Luke 5:1-11; 9:57-62.
There are more parallels here. Elisha will eventually see his beloved teacher ascend in a heavenly chariot after asking for a "double portion" of the spirit of Elijah (2 Kings 2), prefiguring the ascension of Jesus and the Pentecost event.
Tverberg and Spangler emphasize that discipleship is a long process requiring true commitment. Real character transformation does not occur overnight.
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lois tverberg, rabbi jesus
Posted at: 10:13 PM | Add Comment
