Neither
be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
Matthew 23:10-11
Matthew 22 [46.] No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Matthew 23 [1.] Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat. All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do. For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men. But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23 [13.] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
Meaning:
Jesus was warning the crowds and his disciples about the scribes and Pharisees, who loved honor, the best seats and the title “Rabbi” (Matthew 23:1-8). He told his followers not to seek that title, for they have one teacher, and not to call any man on earth their spiritual “father”, for they have one Father in heaven (Matthew 23:9). These two verses complete his teaching about titles and greatness among his people.
- “Neither be called masters”
The word translated “masters” refers to a leader or guide, someone who directs others in the way they should go. In the schools of the rabbis, disciples attached themselves to a famous teacher and followed his interpretations. Jesus warns his followers against building a following around themselves or giving any human leader the authority that belongs only to him.
- “for one is your master, the Christ”
Only Christ is the true guide of his people. He is the head of the church, and all believers grow “into him, who is the head, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Jesus told his disciples at the last supper, “You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am” (John 13:13). Every human teacher in the church is a fellow learner under the one Master. Paul wrote, “we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
- “But he who is greatest among you will be your servant”
Jesus turns the world’s idea of greatness upside down. Among the nations “the rulers of the nations lord it over them”, but “It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 20:25-26). Greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured by humble service. Jesus himself is the example: he “came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). At the last supper he washed his disciples’ feet and said, “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). Luke records his words, “But I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). The next verse adds the promise: “whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).
The Significance of Matthew 23:10-11
- Leaders as servants
Those who lead in the church are not lords over God’s people. Peter told the elders to shepherd the flock, “neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Authority in Christ’s church is given for serving others.
- Following the humble Christ
Christ “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). His followers become great not by seeking position but by sharing his humility, looking for ways to serve rather than to be served.
Cross-References:
Matthew 20:26: “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” Jesus’ earlier teaching on greatness.
Luke 22:26: “one who is governing, as one who serves.” Leadership as service.
John 13:14: “you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” The example of the Master.
1 Peter 5:3: “making yourselves examples to the flock.” Shepherding without lording.
Conclusion: Jesus told his followers not to seek the title of master, because Christ alone is the Master and guide of his people. In his Kingdom the greatest is the one who serves. Following the example of Jesus, who came to serve and give his life, believers are called to humble service rather than status and titles.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible