What is the meaning of Matthew 23:10? Nor are you to be called instructors “Nor are you to be called instructors” (Matthew 23:10) reminds Jesus’ disciples to resist seeking elevated titles that imply spiritual superiority. • Earlier, He had already warned, “Do not be called ‘Rabbi’” (Matthew 23:8), guarding against prideful ambition. • James echoes this caution: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). • Paul models the right attitude—“What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants through whom you believed” (1 Corinthians 3:5–7). The point: positions of influence must never become platforms for self-exaltation. for you have one Instructor Jesus centers authority in Himself alone. • “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things” (John 14:26) shows how Christ continues His instruction through the Spirit. • “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God’” (John 6:45; cf. Jeremiah 31:33–34). • When He ascended, He “gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11–12), but these roles function only as channels, never replacing the ultimate Instructor. The lesson: every human teacher must point beyond himself to the voice of Christ. the Christ Calling Jesus “the Christ” underlines His divine commission and sufficiency. • Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), acknowledging Him as the anointed, authoritative Teacher. • “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am” (John 13:13). • By identifying Himself as the sole Instructor, Jesus sets the pattern for humble dependence: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Therefore, any title we accept or give must submit to the supremacy of Christ. summary Matthew 23:10 directs believers away from prideful titles and toward wholehearted reliance on Jesus, the only true Instructor. While the church needs gifted teachers, their role is always secondary, serving the body by pointing everyone to Christ’s authoritative word. |
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