When a disciple followed a rabbi, it was a total commitment. He would be with him for 15 years and try to be like him in every way. The rabbis were very intentional about what they did since they were being watched and imitated at all times. If the rabbi did it, the disciple wanted to do it.
Every moment became a teachable moment. What he did, why he did it. The rabbi would talk as he walked along the dusty roads of the day, and his disciples would follow behind as close as possible so as not to miss a single word. And they would be covered by the dust that would get kicked up as they walked.
Thus the phrase “to be covered by the rabbi’s dust” was a term for those disciples who were close followers of their rabbi. The dust is a picture or symbol of their proximity to the rabbi.
So, are you covered with the Rabbi’s dust? Can others tell you’ve been with Him?
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