There is an old saying to the effect that a good rabbi always answers a question with another question.  One rabbi was asked by a member of his congregation, “Why do you always answer a question with another question?” The rabbi replied, “Do I?”

Jesus was called “Rabbi” by His followers.  The word means, literally, “teacher.” In modern Judaism the rabbinate is an ordained office.  In ancient times, however, “rabbi” was simply a title of respect, addressed to laymen learned in the Mosaic law.  Although Jesus’ ministry in Judea lasted less than a week, some of His most significant teachings took place during His daily visits to the Temple.  Tuesday and Wednesday of Passion Week were crowded with verbal interchanges between Jesus and His adversaries, questions asked Him which gave the occasi…