Matthew 23:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, He states: ‘For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted’ (Matthew 23:11-12). Indeed, there is nothing that matches the value of humility, which is why the Savior regularly emphasizes this characteristic. He demonstrates it by presenting little children to them, as well as in the current teaching; and during His Sermon on the Mount when He addressed the beatitudes, He began with this principle. Now, as He uproots pride, He declares, ‘He who humbles himself will be exalted.’ Notice how He guides His listeners to act in stark contrast to pride. He not only prohibits the pursuit of honor but also encourages the choice of the lowest position. Through this, He indicates that you will achieve your desires.

In illustrating the value of humility, Christ teaches that those who aspire to be the greatest among us must become the servants of all and put themselves last.

No one should be referred to as teacher or father except for God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is called the Father because everything originates from Him; He is the Teacher because all things exist through Him or because through the incarnation of His flesh, we have all been reconciled to God. The question arises as to why the Apostle, in contradiction to this directive, refers to himself as a teacher of tongues (2 Cor. 5:20), or how it is that within the common vernacular, particularly in regions like Palestine and Egypt, individuals address one another as father. This inquiry can be resolved by acknowledging the distinction between being a father or teacher by nature and being so by grace.

After turning away from the painful desire for power, he instructs on how to circumvent it, specifically through submission, or humility. He also addresses the blessings associated with both exaltation and humility, encouraging the relinquishment of the former while embracing the latter.

Allow the suffering within you to become a source of strength. As taught by Scripture, true greatness is not determined by one's lineage, power, or talents, but by the capacity to uplift others. The one who is most diligent and generous in such service attains true greatness. Just as in a family, where the greatest assumes responsibility for the welfare of all members, fostering both honor and the well-being of every individual, so too in the community of believers; those who aspire to be the greatest must embrace the full responsibility of providing Christian encouragement to everyone within their reach and through the endeavors they choose. It is wise to let go of any desire for personal prominence and instead cultivate a genuine commitment to serve those around you.

Those among you who are called to take on the roles of teacher, leader, and spiritual father must set aside their notions of greatness. They should view themselves humbly as learners of God, navigating their ministry with reverence as a responsibility given to them by the Lord. They ought to serve everyone, embracing the words of Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow, who states that one should be a servant rather than a master of instruction and followers.

Following these events, the Lord departed from the temple, issuing a stern rebuke against the Pharisees and the temple priests who were complicit in leading the people astray. He warned them of the impending judgment from God. As He concluded His earthly ministry, He proclaimed that He would continue to operate among them through His messengers. However, the Pharisees would persecute these messengers, as well as those who had previously witnessed to the truth. By doing so, they would increase the measure of their predecessors' transgressions, ultimately bringing forth God's judgment upon the wickedness of Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ begins His address by acknowledging the enduring influence and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the teachers of the people, interpreters of the Mosaic Law, and leaders guiding the populace in adherence to its precepts, urging them to observe and enact all that is commanded. However, He promptly cautions His audience against the corruption found within the Pharisees, advising them not to emulate their conduct, which starkly contradicts the truths conveyed in the Law. The Pharisees, meticulous in enforcing their expectations upon the people, exhibit no intention to fulfill those same expectations themselves.

In essence, avoid placing yourselves on a pedestal; keep in mind that God esteems those who labor diligently for the well-being of their neighbors above others. He views those who are willing to serve everyone as truly great.

In instructing His followers to refrain from prideful self-promotion, the Savior revealed to them the fundamental principle of achieving success in the Christian life through humility. He taught that the one who suffers among you should become a servant, for the one who lowers himself will be exalted.