Topical Bible: Master: Jesus Prohibited the Appellation

◄ Master: Jesus Prohibited the Appellation ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ addresses the use of titles and honorifics among His followers, specifically prohibiting the use of the title "Master" in a manner that elevates one above others. This instruction is found in the context of His teachings on humility and servanthood, emphasizing the equality and brotherhood of all believers under one ultimate authority—God.

Biblical Context

The prohibition against using the title "Master" is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus, speaking to the crowds and His disciples, warns against the practices of the scribes and Pharisees, who sought honor and recognition through titles and positions of authority. In Matthew 23:8-10 , Jesus states:

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ."

Here, the term "Rabbi" is synonymous with "Master" or "Teacher," a title that was highly esteemed in Jewish culture. Jesus' directive is not merely about the avoidance of specific words but addresses the underlying attitude of pride and the desire for hierarchical status among His followers.

Theological Implications

Jesus' prohibition of the title "Master" underscores the principle of humility and the rejection of hierarchical distinctions within the Christian community. By instructing His disciples not to seek titles that elevate them above others, Jesus emphasizes the equality of all believers. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of servanthood, where greatness is defined by one's willingness to serve others, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28 :

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Practical Application

In the life of the church, Jesus' teaching on the use of titles serves as a reminder to avoid the pitfalls of pride and the pursuit of status. Leaders within the Christian community are called to model humility and servanthood, recognizing that all authority and honor ultimately belong to Christ. The focus should be on mutual edification and the building up of the body of Christ, rather than on personal recognition or authority.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

In the first-century Jewish context, titles such as "Rabbi" or "Master" were associated with authority and respect. The religious leaders of the time often used these titles to assert their superiority and to command respect from the people. Jesus' teaching challenged this cultural norm, calling His followers to a countercultural way of living that prioritized humility and service over recognition and power.

Conclusion

While Jesus' prohibition of the title "Master" is specific, the broader principle is clear: in the kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by titles or positions but by one's heart of service and humility. This teaching remains relevant for contemporary believers, encouraging a community where Christ alone is exalted as the ultimate Teacher and Master.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 23:8
But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brothers.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... he would have given the same appellation to his ... of our peaceable Lord and master
Jesus Christ, who ... Prince of Peace, and hath expressly prohibited his children ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... joke of what was probably the master of ceremonies ... what impression it wrought; how
long Jesus remained; what ... bridal music, were for a time prohibited after the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

The End of Theology
... of these modes of union is prohibited by the ... said to be made new in Christ Jesus;
(2 Corinthians ... Shall our Heavenly Master be willing to communicate instruction ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/the end of theology.htm

I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons:
... perpetrate some deed that has been prohibited,) cannot be ... had been rendered, in Christ
Jesus, to God's ... the same statement respecting their master, while they ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/3 i reject this predestination.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... wrath to come," and to believe in Jesus Christ to ... 1765 or 1766, he was appointed
barrack-master of Albany ... In time of worship persons are prohibited from walking ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... of Ahab, king of Israel, was the master of four ... the sixth heaven would fain have
prohibited his ascent ... new particulars, containing the history of Jesus and His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... nor any inheritance in his Son Christ Jesus." (1 Kings 12 ... uninhabited islands, condemned
to the mines, prohibited from having ... by the Judge and the Master of our ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... by faith to know that whatever is necessary for us or defective in us is supplied
in God and in our Lord Jesus Christ, in ... Ask," says our Divine Master, "and it ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... the Empire, and heathenism and heresy were prohibited by law ... originally by Lucian
of Antioch, the master of Arius ... And in one Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... God the Father Omnipotent, and his Son Jesus Christ our ... the grace and kindness of
the Master nourished. ... where we read that marriages are prohibited; of course ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm