Father & Teacher

 Father & Teacher

“JESUS said, ‘But you, do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, The CHRIST, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He Who is in Heaven.’” Matthew 23:8-9 This scripture has caused some controversy in the Church.

Since the world began men have been called father, in every language there is a word for father, the male parent of a child.

Since the world began there have been people who teach knowledge and skills to others and in every language there is a word for teacher, a person who trains others.

In the context of Matthew 23:1-11 JESUS is talking about vanity and pride “But all their works they do to be seen by men…and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’” JESUS ends this teaching with this admonition, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

JESUS was not saying that we could no longer call our male parents “father” or those who instruct or train us “teacher”. He was telling us to not be vain and boastful for ourself and not to give too much honor to those who are fathers and teachers.