Matthew 23:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He did not declare: I am the teacher. Similar to when He previously asked: ‘What do you think of Christ?’ without saying, ‘Of Me,’ the situation is the same here. However, I would like to pose the question: What will those claim who frequently designate the terms ‘One’ and ‘alone’ solely to the Father, thereby excluding the Only Begotten? Will they assert that the Father is the sole instructor? Everyone would agree, and no one would dispute it. Yet, the Savior alone proclaims, ‘you have Christ as your Instructor.’ In affirming, ‘One is Christ's instructor,’ the Savior does not negate that the Father is also an instructor; similarly, in naming the Father as the one teacher, He does not deny that the Son is also a teacher alongside Him. The expressions ‘One’ and ‘alone’ serve to set them apart from humanity and other beings. Therefore, after safeguarding the disciples from this harsh trial and condemning it, the Savior reveals a way to evade it—through humility. See vv. 9.

Recognizing that numerous instructers of novel teachings pursue the honor of teaching out of vanity and pride, the Lord discourages such notions and blocks the path that leads to ruin. Thus, if you aspire to glory and preeminence, He advises, seek the positions among the servants and the younger, and embrace humility.

No one should be referred to as teacher or father except for God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father because everything originates from Him, and He is the Teacher since all things are realized through Him; through the incarnation of His flesh, we have all been reconciled to God. Now, the question arises as to why the Apostle, in contradiction to this directive, designates himself as a teacher of languages (2 Cor. 5:20); or how it is that in common vernacular, particularly in the monasteries of Palestine and Egypt, individuals address one another as father. This inquiry is addressed in the following manner: there is a distinction between being a father or teacher by nature and being a father by grace.

The terms Teacher (ραβββι) and Instructor (καθηγητης) refer to the same role. This reiteration serves to firmly redirect attention away from wickedness. Just as the designation of Master pertaining solely to Christ does not negate His also being recognized as Lord and God, the title of Father attributed exclusively to God does not exclude His role as the Father of the Son. The singularity of the term emphasizes a distinction between humanity and the angelic beings.

The Lord reiterated: AND DO NOT SEEK TO BE CALLED instructors, for you have but one Instructor, who is CHRIST. St. Chrysostom observes that He did not declare Himself as the instructor, just as He previously asked not what they thought of Him, but rather what they thought of Christ. In this way of speaking, the Lord exemplifies humility and imparts a fundamental lesson on this profound virtue to His disciples, establishing a universal principle for all Christian teachers and leaders, as well as for all His followers.

After all these events, the Lord departed from the temple, issuing a serious condemnation directed towards the Pharisees and the temple priests, who were accountable for the people's moral decay, alongside warnings of impending divine judgment. As He concluded His earthly mission, He proclaimed that He would continue to engage with them through His servants; however, the Pharisees would also persecute these messengers, as well as those who previously testified to the truth. In doing so, they would exacerbate the iniquity of their ancestors, leading to the revelation of God's judgment upon the evildoers of Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ begins His discourse by acknowledging the ongoing influence and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the educators of the people, as interpreters of the Mosaic Law, and as leaders guiding the populace to adhere to that law. He commands them to observe and perform all that has been instructed. However, He promptly cautions His listeners against the corrupt practices of the Pharisees, urging them not to mimic their actions, which starkly contrast the principles espoused in the Law. While the Pharisees are meticulous in imposing their expectations on the people, they harbor no intention of adhering to these very standards themselves.

Do not follow their example! Avoid seeking titles such as teachers or guides, and do not elevate yourselves above others, for all of you are brothers in equal standing, with Christ as your sole Teacher. The scribes and Pharisees, who oversee the schools, desire to be addressed as fathers; do not refer to anyone on earth in this way, for God is the Father of all.

It is important to clarify that the Lord was speaking directly to the Apostles in this context, distinguishing them from the general populace. The Apostles referred to their disciples as children, as seen in the writings of John and Paul.

And with the phrase, "you shall not call yourselves father," He does not prohibit the honoring of parents; in fact, He desires us to respect our parents, particularly our spiritual leaders. However, through these words, He elevates our understanding to recognize the true Father, which is God, as the ultimate source of existence. Earthly parents are not the originators of being; rather, they are merely facilitators and instruments of God's will. As Chrysostom states, "God alone is the source of all teachers and fathers."

True virtue, characterized by humility and a rejection of empty pride, prompted the Lord to caution His disciples against a harmful model of behavior. He instructed them with this admonition: “But you shall not be called teachers, for Christ is your only Teacher, and all of you are brethren; you shall not call yourselves father on earth, for your Father alone is in heaven; you shall not be called instructors, for Christ is your only Instructor.” The title itself is not inherently wrong, provided it is used properly, devoid of arrogance and within acceptable bounds. However, the prideful manner in which the Pharisees misrepresented and degraded the noblest titles is reprehensible.