Matthew 23:1-12 Titles

"Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. “Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." [Matthew 23:1-12 NASB]

The tradition in the synagogues was for the Rabbi to stand for the reading of the Torah, then he would sit down to expound upon and explain the reading. This seat of honor was called the chair of Moses. When Jesus said "they have seated themselves in the chair of Moses", He provided a visual that the crowd could relate to. With his next words He makes it clear that he is also referring to the symbolic meaning of sitting in the chair of Moses: that they have made themselves to be judges and interpreters of the Law.

But they were like corrupt judges who pass down judgments, but fail to keep the law themselves. It is not the Law that they love, but the position, the power, and the appearance of righteousness that goes with it.

Phylacteries are small leather boxes with scripture in them. The idea of the phylacteries came from the Law of Moses, "You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead." [Deuteronomy 11:18 NASB] Of course, they were intended to be small and unobtrusive; a reminder to the wearer, not a display of holiness to the observer.

The tassels are also from the Law, "Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. “It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God." [Numbers 15:38-40 NASB]

And, of course, they loved their titles. As does the church today. We easily condemn the Pharisees because they wanted to be called Rabbi (which literally translates as "My great one"). Protestants condemn Catholics because their priest call themselves "father". But it is no different when protestant preachers call themselves "Reverend" (or one who is revered or worshiped). Or if they really want to be officious, they call themselves "The Right Reverend" or "The Most Reverend" (as if they are saying "I am loved and worshiped more than anyone).

While studying this passage, I read a commentary by one of the high church people who explained away this passage by say that Jesus didn't actually mean that we shouldn't use these titles because we need to distinguish those who rule the flock. He missed the point entirely! Jesus said, "for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers." No one should rule the church because we are all equally brothers, and God alone rules the church.

Beware of anyone who says that Jesus didn't really mean what He clearly said.

In light of the whole of Scripture, we know that there are good teachers in the church. "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers," [Ephesians 4:11 NASB] The difference is taking up the title of "Teacher" vs. fulfilling the role of one who teaches. Not in an exalted role, looking down on others, but as an equal, both giving and taking, teaching and learning.

The position of pastor is an honorable thing. A pastor should be compassionate, one of the people. But when the title of "Pastor" causes you to lord it over others, it is taking what is good and making it offensive. Those who "rule" over their congregation will share the fate of the Pharisees.

But Jesus's words were not only for pastors and leaders. He was also speaking to the crowds. Those who do not hold a position or title in a church are still accountable for how we respond to those who do. He said, "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven." We are not to revere the ministers nor exalt them higher than any other brother in Christ, even as we respect their ministry.

Remember who we are in Christ. "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;" [Romans 8:29 NASB] If Jesus calls himself our brother, then none of us should be called master. Our treatment of all, regardless of gifting or position should be the same. "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;" [Romans 12:10 NASB]