October 4 RABBONI "Jesus answered and said to him, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' The blind man said to Him, 'Rabboni, that I may receive my sight' " (Mark 10:51, NKJV). The title, "Rabboni," is a form of the word, "Rabbi," meaning, "My Great One," or "My Great Master." It is a title of highest dignity and expresses reverent devotion, admiration, and respect. It is applied to Jesus twice--once by blind Bartimaeus and once by Mary Magdalene. Among the multitude following Jesus out of Jericho was blind Bartimaeus. Desperate to have his sight restored, he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47, NKJV). Moved by compassion, Jesus responded, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The reply was prompt and to the point, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight" (verse 51). To get Jesus' attention, the blind man first addressed Him as "Jesus, Son of David." Now in reverent devotion, he calls Him, "Rabboni." The great Master then honored his faith by restoring his sight. The second recorded use of this title is at Jesus' resurrection. Mary Magdalene had come to the garden tomb. Burdened with sorrow, she encountered an unknown man in the garden who engaged her in conversation. Suddenly she recognized the voice calling her, "Mary!" Full of excitement Mary greets Jesus with one word, "Rabboni!" (John 20:16, NKJV). In this single word, Mary eloquently expressed her love and admiration for her adorable Lord. Commenting on Mary's reaction, Ellen White wrote: "In her joy she forgot that He had been crucified. Springing toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, she said, 'Rabboni.' But Christ raised His hand, saying, 'Detain Me not: for I am not yet ascended to My Father'... And Mary went her way to the disciples with the joyful message."--The Desire of Ages. p. 790. My Prayer Today: Lord, like Bartimaeus and Mary Magdalene, I address You as Rabboni. Amen.