Study Text: Matthew 23:6-12

And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’

“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Historical and Cultural Context

During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees and scribes held significant authority within Jewish society. They were seen as the interpreters of the Law and were respected by many. However, their actions often reflected a desire for status and recognition rather than genuine humility and service.

The culture was highly stratified (divided into distinct classes, often based on factors such as wealth, power, social status, or education), with a strong emphasis on honor and status. The seating arrangements at banquets and in synagogues reflected one’s social standing. Religious leaders such as the Pharisees and Sadducees often sought to elevate their status, seeking places of honor and titles that conferred respect. The culture of the Roman Empire, which extended into its colonies, also placed a strong emphasis on social status, characterized by relationships between patrons and clients. Wealthy patrons would support teachers and scholars, expecting honor and recognition in return.

Titles like “Rabbi”  (meaning “my master or teacher”) and “Father” were  a title of respect for Jewish teachers and leaders. They conveyed authority and respect. The term “Father” for example carries significant cultural and spiritual weight, representing not just a biological relationship but also a role of authority, protection, and guidance.

Jesus Challenges the Excessive Love for Status, Titles, and Honor

Jesus flips the cultural norm by stating that the greatest among His followers will be the servant. This radical teaching emphasizes a reversal of societal expectations, aligning with His own example of humility and service throughout His ministry. Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ love for prestige, titles, and honor, emphasizing that true authority comes from God and that all believers are equal in His sight.

He taught His followers not to be fixated on titles or seeking recognition merely to feel superior to others; and to not allow others to manipulate them into accepting titles and recognition for the same purpose. According to Jesus, the authority to lord over others should be reserved for God. He stresses the brotherhood of believers, with one Teacher (Himself) and one Father (God). 

Jesus’ radical teaching shows that self-exaltation leads to humiliation, while humility leads to exaltation. He completely inverts conventional wisdom, stating that true greatness comes from serving others. Here are some of the key values emphasized by Jesus:

• Humility: Christians should prioritize humility over seeking prestige or titles.
• Equality: Believers are brothers and sisters, with no hierarchical distinctions.
• Servant leadership: Leaders should serve, not seek power or recognition.
• Focus on God: True honor belongs to God, not human leaders.

By stating that all are brothers and sisters and have one Father, Jesus promotes a sense of equality within the community of believers. This was countercultural, as it undermined the hierarchical structures prevalent at the time.

Personal Application and Reflection

How can we incorporate Jesus’ teachings into our personal lives and community? Here are some potential applications:

• Personal ambition: Prioritize serving others over seeking personal recognition. Resist the temptation of seeking to elevate yourself through titles or status. Instead, focus on the mission of serving others. 
• Church leadership: Emphasize servant leadership and humility while avoiding the “high horse syndrome” and an inflated sense of self-importance. This helps church leaders avoid being seen by their members as possessing superhuman qualities or being infallible.
• Community relationships: Promote equality and mutual respect among all members.
• Worship: Focus on honoring and channeling our worship to God rather than human leaders, as only God is truly worthy of our worship. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t genuinely respect and appreciate our leaders.

Here are some personal reflection questions for self-examination: 

1. Humility in Leadership: How can I demonstrate humility in my own life or in any leadership roles I hold?
2. Value of Service: In what ways am I currently serving others, and how can I enhance my commitment to serving those around me?
3. Attitudes Toward Titles: Do I place too much importance on titles or status in my personal or professional life? How can I shift my focus toward serving rather than seeking recognition?
4. Equality in Relationships: How do I treat others in my community? Am I fostering an environment of equality and respect, or do I unintentionally create hierarchies?
5. Self-Perception and Leadership Expectations: Do I present myself as an infallible  leader, leading others to have unrealistic expectations of me? How can I embrace my imperfections while striving for growth?
6. Worship Focus: In my worship and spiritual practices, am I honoring God above all else? How can I ensure my focus remains on Him rather than on human leaders?
7. Feedback and Growth: Am I open to receiving feedback from others about my leadership or interactions? How can I cultivate a spirit of openness and humility in those conversations?
8. Modeling Behavior: How can I model servant leadership in my everyday interactions, whether at home, work, or within my community?
9. Reflecting Christ’s Love: In what specific ways can I better reflect Christ’s love and teachings in my actions and relationships with others?
10. Community Impact: How can I contribute to creating a community that values service and humility, following the example set by Jesus?

Closing Thoughts

Jesus is calling for a redefinition of greatness and leadership within the community of believers and even the winder society. He challenges the existing norms that prioritize status and titles, advocating instead for a model of leadership rooted in humility and service. 

This teaching continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of serving others rather than being  fixated on seeking personal recognition, titles, and status.

Further Reading

• Luke 14:7-14
• Mark 12:38-40
• 1 Corinthians 1:10-17