On Sitting in Moses' Seat and Calling People Rabbi (Matthew 23:2-3 and 8-12)

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Matthew the Evangelist from the Chiesa dei SS. Giuseppe e Pantaleone,
Spilimbergo, Italy (Photo: Saarah Loeker)

The Gospel of Matthew is known for its distinctively Jewish focus and flavor. We see this coming through very strongly in Matthew 23 as a whole, where we also find some material that is of particular interest because Matthew alone has it.
So for example it is Matthew alone who preserves the saying:

  • “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (23:2-3)

Again it is only Matthew that has Jesus's rejection of the sort of religious caste system implied by calling certain people "Rabbi" or "Father". He starts by pointing out how the Jewish leaders love to be called Rabbi, but and then goes on to say concerning those who would be his disciples:

  • “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (23:8-12)

Very often in our Protestant Churches we hear this verse being applied to the Catholics for addressing their priests as "Father,," which no doubt is a legitimate point. But we are also often just as guilty of violating that teaching of Jesus here in loving to be called "Pastor," or, may I say, "Dr."

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