Wednesday, February 1
Titles
Scripture: Matthew 23
Matthew 23:8–12 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Observation
In this chapter, Jesus judges the religion of his day and finds it wanting on several scores. In verses 8-12, he challenges the desire for titles and respect, and calls us to be egalitarian, brothers and sisters who are humble servants.
“Don’t be called ‘Rabbi’…or ‘father’…or ‘instructor’.” The religious leaders of Jesus’ day loved to be recognized, and treated with honor and respect. They “do their deeds to be seen by people.” They wore clothes that drew attention to their piety. They loved to be given places of honor, the best seats, and elaborate greetings. That was the context of Jesus saying, “Don’t be called rabbi, father or teacher.”
Jesus wasn’t absolutely forbidding the use of titles. His followers quickly identified apostles, pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, and fathers in the faith. Paul considered himself Timothy’s father, and the father of the Corinthian church.
Nor was Jesus forbidding that some should teach others. There is a spiritual gift of teaching and those who have it should teach (Romans 12:7). Some know more than others and are obligated to share what they have.
Jesus was encouraging a humble and egalitarian spirit among his followers, in contrast to a self-promoting, proud spirit. The way of Jesus isn’t selfish, but selfless. It’s not “serve me” but “how can I serve you?”
Application
This passage speaks to me as a pastor. I never want that title to be an excuse for self-promotion or lording it over anyone. I don’t want it to elevate me above other to be served, but to humble me below others to serve. It is a great honor to be called pastor. But it is the honor of service rather than the honor of self-exaltation.
And this passage reminds me of the fundamental egalitarianism among believers. We are all brothers and sisters first, and Jesus alone is exalted among us. Even though some may wear titles, first we are simply brothers and sisters. Our titles don’t exalt us; they humble us—they indicate our places of service. After brothers and sisters, our most exalted title is “servant.”
Yes, I teach. But first I am a disciple of Jesus—a learner. And I can (and must) learn from every brother and sister around me.
Never think of yourself as exalted above anyone—that is the religion of the Pharisees that Jesus judged. Think of yourself as the servant of all.
Prayer: I love you Lord and I’m grateful for the reminder of who and what I really am. Help me to be a brother, a servant, a learner…humble.