You call Me Teacher and Lord
In the context of first-century Judaism, the titles "Teacher" and "Lord" were significant. "Teacher" (Rabbi) was a term of respect for someone who was a master of the law and a guide in spiritual matters. Jesus was recognized by His disciples and others as a Rabbi, indicating His authority in teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. The title "Lord" (Kyrios) was used to denote authority and ownership, often reserved for God or a master. By using both titles, the disciples acknowledged Jesus' dual role as their spiritual guide and sovereign leader. This reflects the broader biblical theme of Jesus as both the ultimate teacher of divine truth and the sovereign ruler over all creation, as seen in passages like Matthew 28:18 and Philippians 2:9-11.

and rightly so
This phrase affirms the correctness of the disciples' recognition of Jesus' identity. It underscores the truth of their acknowledgment, aligning with the biblical principle that Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom and authority. The affirmation "rightly so" suggests that their understanding is not only accurate but divinely revealed, as seen in Peter's confession in Matthew 16:16-17, where Jesus blesses Peter for recognizing Him as the Messiah, a revelation from the Father.

because I am
The phrase "I am" is deeply significant, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God declares, "I AM WHO I AM." This connection highlights Jesus' divine nature and eternal existence. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus uses "I am" statements to reveal His identity and mission, such as "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35) and "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). These statements affirm His deity and His role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and types, such as the Passover Lamb and the Good Shepherd. The use of "I am" here reinforces the understanding of Jesus as both fully God and fully man, central to Christian doctrine.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing His disciples during the Last Supper. He acknowledges the titles they use for Him, affirming His role as both Teacher and Lord.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' statement. They are His followers who have been learning from Him and witnessing His ministry.

3. The Last Supper
The setting of this passage, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. It is a significant event that includes Jesus washing the disciples' feet, demonstrating servanthood.Acknowledging Jesus' Authority
Recognize and affirm Jesus as both Teacher and Lord in your life. This acknowledgment should influence how you live and make decisions.

The Role of a Disciple
As disciples, we are called to learn from Jesus and follow His example. This includes adopting a posture of humility and servanthood, as demonstrated by Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

Servant Leadership
Jesus' example teaches us that true leadership involves serving others. In our roles, whether at home, work, or church, we should lead by serving.

Consistency in Faith and Action
If we call Jesus our Lord, our actions should reflect His teachings. This means living out our faith in practical ways, showing love, and serving others.

Understanding Titles and Roles
The titles 'Teacher' and 'Lord' are not just honorary; they imply a relationship of learning and obedience. Reflect on how you respond to Jesus' teachings and commands.(13) Ye call me Master and Lord--i.e., Master in the sense of Teacher. The word in the original is not "Rabbi." (Comp. Note on John 11:28.) The Jewish pupils called their teachers "Rabbi" and "Mar" (Teacher), and it was not permitted to any pupil to call his teacher by his proper name (Sanhedr., fol. 100, ?1). The word "Master" here refers to His position as their Teacher; the word Lord to the reverence which they paid to Him. These were the common titles of everyday life which He here asserts for Himself.

Verse 13. - Ye name me the Teacher and the Lord. "Rabbi and Mara," the names of reverence which disciples of the Hebrew teachers were accustomed to offer to their masters. Φωνεῖν means to name, and the two nominatives are used appellatively, not as vocatives. Tholuck regards them as vocatives. Scholars dared not address their teachers without some marks of respect. Διδάσκαλος is John's equivalent for רבי, my Master (see John 1:29; John 20:16). And ye say well; for so I am. At this supreme moment he does not repudiate this high function, nor abate any of his lofty claims. He was most obviously the highest in his condescending love. He had given no more amazing proof of the originality and supremacy of his nature than this inversion of all ordinary relations. So I AM - more, indeed, than "the Teacher," "the Savior," more than "the Master," as Peter said on a memorable occasion, "God was with him," and he was Immanuel - "God with us," and "Lord of all" (Acts 10:37, 38).

Parallel Commentaries ...


You
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

call
φωνεῖτέ (phōneite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5455: From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.

Me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Teacher
Διδάσκαλος (Didaskalos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Lord,
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

rightly
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

[so],
λέγετε (legete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

because
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I am.
εἰμὶ (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.


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NT Gospels: John 13:13 You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord (Jhn Jo Jn)