Rabbi, Rabbi - Matthew 23:7

Matthew the apostle wrote, “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not you after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries,and enlarge the borders of their garments. And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues”, and in chapter twenty-three and verse seven of his book Matthew shared how Jesus said the scribes and Pharisees love, “greetings in the markets, and to be called … Rabbi, Rabbi” where we read:

And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

The verse reads, “And greetings in the markets, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “and greetings” which means “and salutations both oral and written” “in the markets” which means “in the places of assembly for public debating, elections, trials, buying, selling and business”. Matthew shared how the “scribes and Pharisees” loved being “acknowledged and saluted” in the “public places of assembly and business”.

The verse continues, “... and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. Matthew added the words, “and to be called” which means “and to be named, saluted and bid forth” “of men” or “by people whether male or female”, “Rabbi, Rabbi” which means “my great one, honorable sir and official teacher”. Matthew shared how Jesus said the “scribes and Pharisees” loved being “saluted” as “great ones and honorable teachers”.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the scribes and Pharisees were into “popularity” and “titles”. They enjoyed being known for their “greatness”, and they loved being addressed by the official title of “teacher” by those around them. Each of these expose the narcissistic behavior of these “religious leaders”, and those who enjoy “fame” and “titles” are much the same as they. God desires people to humbly come before Him and understand that nothing they have has been accomplished upon their own. God has given them their abilities and status, and God alone is to be “exalted”. When a person submits themselves to God's Son Jesus as “Savior and Lord”, they have aligned themselves with the One who is indeed worthy to be “greeted” and “called Rabbi”.

Next time we see Matthew write how Jesus says, “one is your Master, even Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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