by David Cox
(c) 2003
KJV
Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.Some would take the words of Christ here that we are not to call one another Rabbi (Teacher) or Master (master teacher) and to say that the whole concept of Pastor is unbiblical. This is not necessarily the teaching of this passage of Scripture. The context is that Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees because they teach something different than what they practice, (verse 3). I think they break the biblical concept of leadership because (among other things) they are hypocrites, teaching on thing and doing another. For another thing, they seek to be exalted instead of being humble and serving.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.KJV
Leaders are supposed to show the rest the way by going there first themselves. The rest of those behind the leader simply follow their example. It is the height of heresy to teach one thing and then to live another. The whole idea behind these Pharisees is that of self exaltation. Christ condemned their desire for self-elevation, arrogance, pride, and living above others so that you can despise those under you.
Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.KJV
Christ showed the disciples how wrong the desire for ruling and greatest in the eyes of others is within the believer. Christ showed them that true greatest is to be great in the eyes of God. That "well done, thou good and faithful servant" is much more important that any glory or honor men can give you. For the Christian greatest is found in humble service. Those ministers who are seeking to make a name for themselves or their church or organization in the eyes of men (even Christian men) are simply clueless as to the truth of God.
Pastor-Dictators are the scourge of God. I have been around and under several people in my life that were in church leadership that took on an unbiblical character quality in relation to leadership. Things just go wrong. For all the good that happens, there is something deep down wrong about everything. Many come away from this type of experience with a bad attitude towards anyone in authority. This bad experience does not say that every pastor is unbiblical. The word "pastor" clearly occurs in both the Old and New Testaments referring to people in the administration and supervision of God's people. But we should through out the baby with the bath water.
God condemns these leaders just as surely as God has given us pastors for our benefit. We must identify what we should look for in a pastor (oversight) and make sure that we abide by God's rules. It is extremely important to not accept anyone in church leadership until he has abundantly proven he qualifies according to Bible standards.
What Jesus was prohibiting in Matthew 23. What we should understand from this passage is that God condemns men looking for titles and authority without fully discharging their duties. A title is a hollow thing, especially when it comes cheap to other people who do nothing to qualify for it. Just look at the title of Doctorate today. When colleges give them out like lollipops to those people that put a blind stamp of approval on the school, then what does it really mean? You got in good with some big-wig at some school and they gave you a Doctorate. It does not mean you are any better than any other minister. At least those who study four years of graduate school and receive a doctorate based on their scores and studies, that says a minimum about that person. But look around, and you will find even these guys go wrong and rather often. Nothing will keep a minister right with God except a clean heart and a desire to do God's will.
Last updated on 12/09/05
Comments
http://davidcox.com.mx/usa/promo/call_no_man_master.htm
Visits: