Ask Re’uben
Why do some leaders in the Messianic Jewish
Movement
say they are a rabbi or a Messianic Rabbi?
S H A L O M !
_______ A
MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW ______
Biblical Question:
Why
do some leaders in the Messianic Jewish Movement say they are a rabbi or a
Messianic Rabbi?
Our Question:
Dear Pastor Reuben,
Why do some leaders in the
Messianic Jewish Movement say they are a rabbi or a Messianic Rabbi?
Isn't this a Jewish term highly regarded and special in the Jewish Community
worldwide?
Many I see aren't even Jewish
born! How can this be? I hope you can help.
Thanks,
Greg
Pastor Reuben's Answer:
Shalom Greg,
I appreciate your note and sincere questions. I do not
believe that we in the Messianic Movement should use the "Rabbi"
title due to it being one originally developed and acquired by unbelieving
people. It means confirming an ancient scholarly position within
Judaism after usually very demanding scholarly work over 4-10 years of
prescribed study and testing. Also, it is not a title we can just use,
take upon ourselves, just because it is "cool". It certainly
doesn't make us more Jewish nor authoritative in Jewish life. In fact it
drives a wedge between us and the unsaved Jewish community who laugh and
scorn such as being a lie, deceit and proof that "Christians" will
do anything to try to win a convert. After 26 years in mission work
among Jewish people this has been one of the most difficult fences to
overcome in witness of the Gospel. We have to agree with them.
Some justify this rabbi title usage by saying that the word merely means
teacher or that Yeshua (Jesus) was referred to as such, so they can as
teachers and Believers in Jesus take the title. Well, first off the
word means much more than just teacher (see above comments) and the fact is
that God (Jesus) certainly can take the title; He is the Rabbi!
No one as His talmidim (disciples) can just assume such a Jewish knowledge
base and position. Personally, I use the title of Messianic Pastor. I take
Torah as being the total Bible; Old and New Covenants. I am observant
of it all as the Lord commanded, and I hold to faith versus works in a
Messianic Jewish life for myself.
May God bless you,
Reuben
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