Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. [Matthew 23.1-3]
The indictment Jesus makes here and in the rest of Matthew chapter 23 is serious. Jesus is nearing the end of His natural life and His focus is turned to what He knew was a problem then, and would be a problem so long as man attempts to engage God on earth: spiritual arrogance among leaders.
Although chapter 23 of Matthew implicates religious leaders on many accounts, we might find a summary of the problem in the following verses:
“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. [Matthew 23.8-12]
While I am not sure how my Catholic brothers and sisters justify calling their priest "Father," in the spirit of Matthew 23.8-12, I also don't know how my Protestant brothers and sisters justify calling their leader, "Pastor" or "Bishop" or "Elder." Mind you, the Protestants don't use the exact word, "Father" but how is it any different if they "title" a man in his role "elevated" above others? In the full context of Matthew 23, it is a glaring violation of what Jesus taught.
This violation is increasingly more glaring in proportion to the size of the congregation. When a Christian leader requires special attention, special parking, special transportation, special security, restricted passage-ways, and other forms of separation from the people, he (or she) has inadvertently, but undeniably, slipped into open contradiction to "equality as brothers and sisters" (Matthew 23.8).
I know this ruffles some "spiritual authority" feathers, but how can we deny Jesus' own words in Matthew 23?
A man's gift indeed makes room for him among those he shares it with.
A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. [Proverbs 18.16 NKJV]
The gift precedes the room. However, what Jesus teaches is that as soon as a title is assigned to, and assumed by the man, that title is what makes room for him, independent of the gift, throwing the balance of equality as siblings in Christ out the window.
Titles are however more important that we think. We would do well to address every sibling in Christ as "Brother" or "Sister." Any of the other titles we hear so frequently (that are insisted upon as "respect" ironically by those who assume those titles) are in violation of Matthew 23. But to call a brother or sister in Christ, "Brother" or "Sister" declares and verbally establishes equal Kingdom order among "siblings" in Christ - the way Jesus said it should be.
To elevate a sibling with a 'higher' title is idolatry. To assume a title 'higher' than a sibling is to play God - unless, of course, you are God. It makes perfect sense then that Jesus (God With Us) is called "the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters" (Romans 8.39)!
Father, help us get it right. We are so imbalanced and we need correction. Forgive us for pride and arrogance that demands "titles" elevating some to special treatment. May we treat everyone with the love and respect due a sibling. May we understand that elevation is achieved only through servanthood, as Jesus taught and demonstrated. So be it.
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