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. Matthew 23:8-10 – Out of love for the people being misled, and even out of love for the misled scribes and pharisees, Jesus said some pointed words to the religious leaders of the day that were spreading their sinfulness. One of the main pieces Jesus attacked was the pride these leaders took in themselves and their position. They lorded their authority over the people, when Jesus was making it clear the greatest among people is the greatest server. Hence why Jesus says what He does in our verses. Don’t call anyone rabbi, father, or instructor (or teacher). Now is Jesus meaning we can’t ever use those titles for anything anymore? Have we been in sin when we call our earthly father “Father” or a school teacher a “teacher?” No, we are not in sin in those ways, for even Paul uses such labels in referring to his relationship with the church. The idea is that if someone is using these labels to force their authority over others and is causing those under them to glorify them in unholy ways, these labels are then forbidden. For example, as a pastor, I love that title and its very special to me, but it doesn’t make me anymore holy than any other believer and it certainly doesn’t mean I should receive any glory. All are equal under the Lordship of Jesus. Certainly we will have different roles in the Kingdom, and some of those roles will even have titles, but that doesn’t mean one is greater than the other. When a title feeds prides that is when it ought to be dropped for the only title that deserves our holy admiration is Savior, and that alone goes to Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3345
Question To Ponder: Why do you feel a title can cause pride within people?
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