JESUS SPEAKING
”They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men “Rabbi, Rabbi.” But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is Your teacher, the Christ. But He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 6 – 12)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Many of the religious leaders were evil men who enjoyed their positions of authority. In turn, Jesus forbade His followers from referring to themselves as ‘Rabbis, Teachers, or Fathers.’ Accordingly, God is our only Father, and Jesus is our only Teacher/’Rabbi.’ As sons and students we are all equal. In presenting the gospel, our own words, thoughts, and emotions are irrelevant. The untainted words of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are paramount. When we choose to die, then the Lord will arise and speak through us.
As the story goes, when Abraham Bininger had reached adulthood, he was informed of the misery and degradation of the African slaves living on the Island of St. Thomas. He asked to be sent to them to preach the story of the cross. Upon arriving on the Island he learned that it was illegal for anyone other than a slave to preach to the slaves. In response, he wrote a letter to the Governor of the Island, asking to be enslaved for the rest of his life, provided he could give his leisure time to preaching to his fellow slaves. The Governor sent the letter to the King of Denmark, who was so touched by it that he sent out an edict empowering Abraham Bininger to tell the story of the Messiah whenever and wherever he chose—to both blacks and whites, bond or free.
Like Abraham Bininger, we too must be willing to sacrifice our lives to carry the message of the cross to those who live in ignorance. We aren’t distinguished and adored teachers, nor do we deserve the reverence and respect reserved for our honorable and all powerful Father. Instead, we are but humble carriers of the gospel. Jesus is our only Teacher, and God is our only Father. May we die to ourselves, so that Christ can rise up in our place (Note: The New Testament does include the gift of teaching; thus permitting the office of one given to teaching from God’s word.)
”Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize that Your Son Jesus is our only Teacher, and that we are all brothers. Also that You are our only Father; worthy of all honor, and reverence, and respect. May we lay down our lives in sacrifice, so that Your words and Your message might spread without resistance; devoid of selfish conceit. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and grant us the strength to live in submission to Your will. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 