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 your 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)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
Jesus chastised the religious leaders for placing themselves between God and man; which enabled them to steal a measure of God’s glory for themselves. He then addressed His disciples, forbidding them from calling anyone on earth their Teacher/Rabbi; as He alone was their Teacher/Master. He also forbade them from calling anyone on earth their Father, because God alone was their Father; rendering them all brothers. Thus He seems to be establishing a singular hierarchy among the body of believers. Pointing others to Christ alone is the first obligation of every believer.
One man who thoroughly understood this principle of servant leadership and pointing others to Christ alone was named John the Baptist. When he saw Jesus He identified Him as the Messiah, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Some time later John’s followers approached him saying, “He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.” John replied, “He must increase and I must decrease.”
Like John, we must decrease so that Jesus can increase. Our most important obligation as believers is to point others toward Jesus Christ; our one True Teacher. He possesses all of the truth and He alone is the head of the Church. May we continually look to Him for guidance, direction, and discernment. May He live through us as we walk in the light of His leadership. (Note: This does not mean that the church must be entirely devoid of structure.)
“Lord Heavenly Father, we seek to serve You and to point others toward Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we never steal any of Your glory. Give us the strength to obey and the courage to do what’s right in Your eyes. 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’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!
