The Rich Young Ruler, whatever the reason, addressed Jesus with this profound truth, “Good Master” (Luke 18:18; Matthew 19:16). As the second person of the Godhead, Jesus is inherently good. As a teacher of righteousness, He was preeminently good. The biblical record declares that Jesus “went about doing good ”(Acts 10:38). Our Lord Himself declared, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:14). Master (“didaskalos”) means, “teacher.” Question: Is Jesus the Good Master of my life? Does He master my attitude, actions and abilities? Does He master my time, talents and treasures? Does He master my heart, mind and soul?
Jesus is the Master Teacher (John 3:2; Matthew 19:16; 22:16-24). “Teacher” is found 29 times in the gospels, 90 times in its noun (teacher) and verb (teach) forms in the New Testament. Jesus taught in such a way that astonished those who heard Him. The reason being, Jesus taught with authority lacking in the other teachers in His day, who often only quoted other Rabbis. Jesus spoke with inherent authority – the authority of God’s revealed Word (Matthew 7:28-29). Therefore, the character, conduct and charisma of Jesus was manifested in that He practiced what He preached, He taught with authority, and He cared enough to sacrifice Himself for the world. Thus, multitudes flocked to His side and hung on every word that He spoke (i.e., “the common people heard him gladly,” Mark 12:37).
Jesus is the Master Builder (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Jesus is building our future home (John 14:1ff), faith home (Matthew 16:18, i.e., church) and family home (Psalm 127:1). He is the foundation like no other and the most essential element of the building – the chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6). Heaven is described as having a firm foundation, builder and maker – God (Hebrews 11:8-10). Jesus built the universe (Colossians 1:16), the Bible (John 1:1), the church (Matthew 16:18), and He is building a city (Revelation 21:2).
Jesus is the Master Healer (Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24-25). We can say without reservation that perfect, total, complete healing is God’s promise to every Christian, paid for by Jesus’ stripes and the totality of His work for us. Yet, we must also say that it is not promised to every believer right now, just as the totality of our salvation is not promised to us right now. The Bible says that we have been saved (Ephesians 2:8), that we are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18) and that we will be saved (1 Corinthians 3:15). Even so, there is a sense in which we have been healed, are being healed and one day will be healed. God’s ultimate healing is called the “resurrection,” and it is a glorious promise to every Christian. Every “patch-up” healing in this present age anticipates the ultimate healing that will come. Thus, the healing of our minds, hearts and souls strengthens our hope for a land free from pain, sickness and dying.
Is Jesus the Good Master of your life? We are told to confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9); this means He is Lord and God (John 20:28).
