RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

“Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.’” (John 1:49)
Many say the most influential people in their lives have been their teachers. Schoolteachers have been instrumental in developing both the character and skills of their pupils.  I think of several teachers who’ve impacted me: a speech teacher who taught me to communicate clearly, a football coach who trained me in principles of discipline, a math professor who taught me to solve problems, and an English teacher who showed me how to think creatively.
But there’s never been a teacher who has impacted so many lives as the great teacher of the first century: Jesus. He taught not only by His words, but more importantly, He taught by His life. He did more than teach men and women how to live, for He was and is the source of life. His teachings were more than hyped-up rhetoric. They were down-to-earth actions. He didn’t say, “Do as I say, but not as I do.” He did what He said, and He lived what He taught. That’s why the people who met Him called Jesus “Rabbi.”
He wasn’t an ordinary rabbi. His credentials weren’t from the world’s great religious learning centers. His performance wasn’t a result of years of research and training. His lectures weren’t from theologians’ theories. He was “Rabbi” because He was the source of all knowledge. He once even said, “I am the … truth…” Truth flowed from His life. He didn’t need a catchy introduction to get His students’ attention. Signs and wonders followed Him everywhere. They attested to the truth of His teachings.
No, Jesus was no ordinary teacher. That’s why Nathanael said, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus was much more than a great religious teacher. He was and is the Son of God and the King of Israel. His teachings were an overflow of Who He was. He was God, come in human flesh. He was the promised King of the people of God. Nathanael recognized Jesus as “Rabbi.” And he knew the greatness of His teaching related directly to the nature of His character.
There’s something wonderful about this great truth. Jesus desires to be the Lord and King of our lives. Can you imagine having a king as your private tutor? Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And He wants to teach you the way of life. He desires to be an example for you of a man of victory. He will show you and lead you in the way of righteousness. What a thrill to have the Son of God and the King of Israel as our personal professor.
If you want to experience victory, then find a quiet place and sit at the feet of the One called “Rabbi.” Listen to His words. Obey His voice. Follow His lead. There’s no teacher who will ever influence your life like the One called “Rabbi.”