We’re studying Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus in our small group. As we begin to understand a little of the first century Jewish culture, Jesus’ words sparkle in a whole new light.
Did you know that most rabbis used parables to teach? Like a “four-types” parable where four kinds of people are compared in their way of living. Think of the good soil parable in Luke 8:4-11.
The authors shared this rabbinic parable from the Mishna, Pirke Avot 5:15
There are four kinds of the disciples of the wise: sponge, funnel, strainer, and sieve; sponge–sucking up all things; funnel–allowing all that is received in the one end to flow out at the other; strainer–letting the wine through and retaining the dregs; sieve–blowing off the bran and keeping the flour.
I love this comparison.
So what kind of disciple was the teacher saying is the best? Why?
What kind of a disciple are you?
Note: The Mishnah records the sayings of teachers who lived and taught from between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Pirke Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) is a section of the Mishnah that contains ethical and wisdom sayings.
I always said my brain was like a sieve. Said it on my blog this week, as a matter of fact. From the descriptions, I would now have to say it’s like a funnel, information flowing right through. *Occasionally* something sticks. On second thought, maybe it is like a sieve and all the information I’m losing is just the bran. Yeah, that’s it!
I think you’ve got it!
the title and post i enjoyed reading. the book sounds interesting as well. then i caught the corresponding photo… as to your question, i couldn’t possibly answer it.
My first response was that I was a sponge. Not such a good answer. It means I soak up everything without discernment and swell up. Really, a sieve is the best–sifting through what’s taught to retain only the best.