Jesus said in Matthew 23:6-7, They [the scribes and Pharisees] love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

He was condemning those who loved to have religious titles.

Then Jesus said, But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ and you are all brethren, verse 8.

He continues in verse 9, Do not call anyone on earth your [spiritual] father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

And if that is not enough, He says in verse 10, And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

In verse 11 and 12 He tells why one should not seek to be called by a title, But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

But why have men defied what Jesus taught?

Some seek to use the title ‘Pastor’ that the apostle Paul used in Ephesians 4:11.  Here pastor is literally shepherd.

The apostle Peter tells us who the shepherds are in I Peter 5:1-2. Luke also tells us who the shepherds are in Acts 20:17-28. These are to be men who meet the qualifications in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-16. These are not titles but ways of identifying the men who have a specific work and responsibility.

Some seek to use the title ‘Bishop’ yet do not meet the qualifications in I Timothy 3:1-78.

Some seek to use the title ‘Holy Father’ yet Jesus used this form of address only for His Heavenly Father.  See John 17:11.

Jesus did a proper job of teaching.  Are we doing the proper learning?

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