In Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 2:13-14, we see Jesus calling His first disciples, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. But what was really happening in these encounters? How can two simple words like: “Follow Me” drive men to abandon everything? To understand, we need to delve into the world of first-century Judaism and the concept of rabbinic discipleship.
In ancient Israel, every Hebrew boy longed to become a rabbi, but only the best of the best made it through the rigorous selection process. This process involved memorizing Leviticus by age six, followed by six years of study in the Beit Sefer (School of the Book), where they memorized the entire Torah. The Beit Sefer lasted from age 6-12, and they memorized the whole Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – word for word, the whole thing.
When they were 12 years old, they graduated from the Beit Sefer by having a Torah exam with the teachers of the law of that day. They weren’t graded on whether they knew the answers, but on whether or not they asked the right questions. It says in Luke that when Jesus was 12 years old, He was ‘wowing’ the teachers of the law with His questions.
If they passed the exam, they were admitted to the Beit Talmud (School of Disciples), an 18-year program that prepared them for rabbinic authority. The Beit Talmud was divided into five stages, and each stage had an exam. If they failed, they were told: “I’m sorry, you’re disqualified from ministry; now go back and earn a living at your family trade.“
The fifth and final stage was called S’mikhah (rabbinical authority). This was the stage where a rabbi was given the authority to create their own yoke, their own interpretation of Torah and way of life. However, not all rabbis received S’mikhah. In fact, only a select few were given this authority.
When a rabbi graduated from the Beit Talmud, they were baptized, signifying a change in social status. At this baptism, two verbal witnesses would speak out for the rabbi, confirming their authority. If a rabbi had S’mikhah, they were considered a rabbi “with authority.” If not, they were considered a rabbi “without authority.“
A rabbi without authority could still teach, but they had to teach the yoke of their rabbi, the one who had ordained them. They couldn’t create their own yoke or interpret Torah in their own way. On the other hand, a rabbi with S’mikhah had the freedom to create their own yoke and teach it to their disciples.
When Jesus was baptized by John, He was recognized as a rabbi with S’mikhah. The voice from heaven, witnessed by John & the crowd, confirmed His authority. This is why Jesus could say, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29). He had the authority to create His own yoke, His own way of life.
As a rabbi with S’mikhah, Jesus’ first act was to appoint disciples, but He didn’t choose the best students from rabbi school. Instead, He went to the banks of the Sea of Galilee and called four fishermen – Simon, Andrew, James, and John – who had been disqualified from ministry. He also called Matthew, a tax collector, who had been robbing food from the tables of the fishermen.
The yoke of our Rabbi chooses men that other people say are disqualified from ministry to change the world. That’s why men were jumping out of boats to follow Him. The yoke of our Rabbi says that you face the people who’ve hurt you with honesty and sincerity – and you forgive them, and you move on.
When we decide to follow Jesus, we’re not just learning what He knew; we’re becoming what He was. We’re taking on His yoke, His way of life. As Disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re Carriers of His Yoke, and our goal is to be like Him, to treat people like He treated people.
In a world where we’re often weary and burdened, Jesus offers rest (Shalom) and freedom. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Will we answer His call to discipleship and take on His yoke?
