Since Jesus came teaching and preaching about the Kingdom of God, He was often called “Rabbi” or “Teacher.” There were, of course, many others who claimed to be teachers. To other religious leaders Jesus said,
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. … Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ (Matthew 23:8,10).
He said the same thing in other ways:
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).
If you abide [live] in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).
What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me (John 12:50).
Others claiming to be “the Light” make empty claims. But when Jesus made this claim, people had to pay attention. They were
“astonished [amazed] at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes [men who copied the Scriptures]” (Mark 1:22).
Jesus’ teachings were more than just words. He always lived His great truths.