8 “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8–12 (ESV)
Jesus announced to His disciples how they were to serve Him, in contrast to the behavior of the scribes and the Pharisees. The main takeaway from today’s text is disciples of Jesus are to be humble. This remains applicable for church leaders and disciples.
Jesus said, “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” The word Rabbi (Ῥαββί; rabbi) means teacher. Father (πατὴρ; pater) refers to a family patriarch or begetter.
Jesus was not meaning no believer in Christ should be void of titles. We all have them, whether they be dad, mom, son, daughter, brother, sister, boss, pastor, professor, etc. What He was warning against was having a prideful spirit about your title. Ultimately, God is our Father and Teacher and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Regarding one’s title through education, it’s wise, as a pastor for example, to get your education, your degree and even your doctorate and then get over it. When asked what I would prefer people call me as I serve as an elder at my church, I reply, “Tom, works.”
“In contesting the pride many Pharisees take in their titles and honors, Jesus cannot mean that titles are wholly inappropriate or that there are no distinctions between Christians (Matt. 23:6–10). After all, titles like “apostle” and “teacher” are later given to some believers (Gal. 1:1; Eph. 4:11). Matthew 23:6–10 only means that because Christians have Jesus as their final teacher, no believer is inherently superior to another. We should not call attention to our titles and achievements, nor should we inordinately belittle them and so be guilty of false humility. Titles must never be used to demand unquestioned obedience to oneself,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul
John Calvin writes that Christ’s “authority must remain entire, and that no mortal man ought to claim the smallest portion of it. Thus, he is the only Pastor.”
“Jesus condemns pride and pretense, not titles per se. Paul repeatedly speaks of “instructors” in the church, and even refers to himself as the Corinthians’ “father” (1 Cor. 4:15). Obviously, this does not forbid the showing of respect, either (cf. 1 Thess. 5:11–12; 1 Tim. 5:1). Christ is merely forbidding the use of such names as spiritual titles, or in an ostentatious sense that accords undue spiritual authority to a human being, as if he were the source of truth rather than God,” concludes Dr. John MacArthur.
Individuals who exalt themselves above others create an uncomfortable atmosphere; especially in a local church. A spirit of godly humility is required of godly leaders (Micah 6:8; I Peter 5:1-7).
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 