Moment of Meditation: No Rabbi or Father (Matthew 23:8-10)
''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. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ (Matthew 23:8-10).''
Jesus commands us to call no one Rabbi or Father. But what about the great number of Jewish people who call their teachers rabbis? What about the great number of Christians who call their priests or pastors Father? Are they sinning against God's commandment? Absolutely not.
Those who are called rabbi and father are in a position of Scriptural authority over those God has placed under their spiritual care. The same Jesus who says, "Call no man your father on earth," inspires the author of the epistle to the Hebrews to write, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (13:17).
You owe reverence to your spiritual leaders. God has given them the job of watching over your souls. They have a great responsibility before their Creator. With the reverence comes the titles. Jesus wants you to make sure that when you reverence your spiritual leader that you don't replace God with your spiritual leader. That you're not making your spiritual leader an idol.
Reverence your pastor. Love him or her as a brother or sister in Christ. But do not put them up on a pedestal alongside God. Before everything else, they are servants. More about that next time. Amen.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free