What Should Our Leaders Be Called?

Q

Can you tell me what Jesus meant when he stated in Matthew 23:8-10 not to use the titles Rabbi, Father and Master? We have the Jews using Rabbi and the Catholics using Father for the Pope and Priests so are they deliberately disobeying Jesus?

A

In Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus told His followers that the titles Rabbi, Father and Master all belong to God and should not be used by mankind in referring to each other. People who allow those titles to be used of themselves are doing so in contradiction of His word.

Paul gave us an acceptable list of titles for Church leaders in Ephes. 4:11

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.”