That None Should Perish

Part 4

July 24, 2026

Matthew 23:8-11

⁸ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. ¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Verses 8–10 (No Exalted Titles): Jesus warns His disciples against taking titles that elevate them over others or position them as ultimate authorities. He reminds them that they are all “brothers” and share only one Master (the Messiah) and one spiritual Father (God).

.Verse 11 (True Greatness is Service): Redefining leadership, Jesus states that the greatest among His followers must be a servant. Kingdom authority is measured by how one serves others, not by status.

Verse 12 (Humility vs. Pride): Jesus gives a timeless proverb about divine judgment: whoever exalts themselves will be humbled, and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted.