Deepertruth: Call No Man Father, Have You Ever Heard That Before

Call No Man Father, Have You Ever Heard That Before?  

"Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Today's Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12) has a lot of ramifications as Jesus prepares to give his seven woes to the Pharisees and scribes (Matthew 23:13-29). These warnings are actually a fulfillment to a promise God gave Israel should they turn from the Lord (Leviticus 26:17-32).