How is our learning style different from the ancient disciples?
Read Matthew 9:14-15 and journal your thoughts
One thing we have to understand about the ancient culture is their way of learning was vastly different from ours. In our culture, we sit back while a teacher pours as much information into us as we can take. Hopefully we remember some of it, but if we are honest, probably not. In ancient Israel, the way they learned was very different. The Rabbis would teach, not by just giving their disciples a bunch of information, but through a process of questions. The disciple would ask a question, and the Rabbi would respond with a question that helps the disciple to discover the answer the Rabbi is looking for.
In Matthew 9:14-15 we see John’s disciples asking Jesus about fasting (because nobody wants to not eat for a long period of time). What we have to understand is in their culture, fasting is a way of connecting with God when one is going through a difficult time, or maybe when they are just desperate to hear from God. Jesus responds to this with a question about guests mourning while the bridegroom is with them. So what is Jesus saying here? Basically Jesus is saying why would they need to fast to hear from God when I’m right here.
Today as you think about the importance of asking questions in their culture, meditate on Luke 2:41-47, especially verse 47?
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