“And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.”– Matthew 23:9
Matthew 23:9 Meaning
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and the recognition of God’s ultimate authority. He instructs His followers not to call anyone on earth ‘father,’ emphasizing that we all have one Father who is in heaven. This teaching challenges the hierarchical structures often found in religious and social settings. By saying this, Jesus reminds us that our true identity and worth come from our relationship with God rather than from human titles or positions.
This directive is not about honoring our biological or spiritual fathers, as the Bible teaches the importance of honoring one’s parents (Exodus 20:12). Instead, Jesus is highlighting the tendency of some leaders to seek power and respect through titles. In essence, He points us toward humility and a deep, personal relationship with God instead of pursuing status or recognition among people. This call to humility is foundational for living out our faith and understanding our place in the family of God.
Matthew 23:9 Commentary and Explanation
To understand Matthew 23:9 better, we must consider its context within the broader narrative of Matthew 23, where Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time. He criticizes the Pharisees and teachers of the Law for their attitudes and behaviors, which often placed burdens on others while they themselves were unwilling to follow the same standards. Jesus confronts their love for titles and the respect given to them, which often overshadowed their responsibilities as spiritual leaders. He calls His followers to a different standard, one characterized by humility and authentic service.
Calling God ‘Father’ holds deep significance in Jewish culture. God is seen as a loving, protective figure, and referring to Him as our Father emphasizes our relationship with Him. By urging us to avoid calling anyone on earth ‘father’ in a spiritual sense, Jesus is not dismissing the importance of fatherly relationships but highlighting that our spiritual identity should align with that of being children of God alone.
Jesus is critical of those who desire recognition and status by virtue of their position. He emphasizes that the greatest among us should be servants (Matthew 23:11), reminding us that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven comes not from titles but from the heart’s attitude and willingness to serve others. This spirit echoes the call for humility that we find throughout the Gospels.
In practical terms, followers of Christ should be cautious about seeking titles, accolades, or positions of power in their spiritual journey. The essence of leadership, especially within a church context, should be rooted in serving others, building genuine relationships, and reflecting Christ’s love and humility. We must acknowledge that our role in God’s kingdom is defined not by our titles but by how we treat and serve others, further reinforcing the call to love and humility.
Historical and Literary Context of Matthew 23:9
Matthew 23 presents a strong condemnation of the religious leaders, and understanding the historical context helps bring this teaching to life. In Jesus’s time, the Pharisees and scribes held significant power and influence over the religious practices of the Jewish people. They often prioritized rules and traditions over personal relationships with God. Jesus directly addressed entrenched attitudes of pride and hypocrisy that permeated the religious elite of His day. Their practices included wearing elaborate garments, flaunting their knowledge of the law, and seeking the best seats at feasts.
In a culture where titles were often given great importance, Jesus’s teaching serves as a radical call to those in positions of authority and those who follow them. He highlights that true authority comes from a humble heart that serves rather than seeks status. The early Christians took these teachings seriously, adopting a communal approach to leadership characterized by mutual service and support instead of rigid hierarchical structures modeled after the Pharisees.
This verse also prompts us to consider the familial concept of God. Jesus’s reference to God as Father emphasizes the personal relationship we can have with Him. This understanding invites us to view God as more than just a distant deity; He is actively involved in our lives and cares deeply for us. The relationship we foster with Him is foundational to our faith and influences how we relate to others.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 23:9
1. “Do not call anyone on earth ‘father'”
This phrase challenges us to rethink how we refer to those in spiritual authority. It points us to the understanding that our ultimate guidance comes from God alone.
2. “For you have one Father”
Here, Jesus affirms that there is only one true Father who provides spiritual guidance and love, emphasizing the equality among believers as children of God.
3. “He is in heaven”
This emphasizes God’s greatness and authority, reminding us that our focus should be on heavenly things, aligning our hearts with His divine will.
Theological Significance of Matthew 23:9
Matthew 23:9 carries profound theological implications. It drives home the message that our lives should reflect our relationship with God above any human authority. God, as our heavenly Father, invites us into a relationship where we can freely approach Him for guidance, wisdom, and support. This sets a foundation for how we treat others, pushing us towards humility and love, as we recognize that we all share a common Father.
Addressing this verse, we see Jesus urging us to cultivate a community of inclusion and support, free from the attitudes of elitism and favoritism that often hinder genuine relationships. This call fosters an understanding that each person holds inherent value and worth, regardless of their background or status in society.
Moreover, as followers of Christ, embracing humility is essential for spiritual growth. By acknowledging that we all participate in God’s family, we honor our individuality while also reinforcing the bonds of community within the body of Christ. Our spiritual journey is enriched by valuing others and finding ways to serve, creating a reflective atmosphere of love and respect for one another.
Matthew 23:9 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
John 10:30
“I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30
This declaration emphasizes the unity between Jesus and the Father, reinforcing the idea that God is deeply interconnected with our lives and that His authority is supreme. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Father, reminding us of our close relationship with God.
Understanding this relationship allows us to appreciate the essential role that love, relationship, and intimacy play in our faith. It is a personal approach to faith that allows us to draw strength and guidance directly from our divine Father.
1 Peter 5:5-6
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opp