Should Christians Call Anyone on Earth FATHER Matthew 23 9

04/06/2023 by Tengkuma       Share

Matthew 23:9 is a verse from the Bible that is often quoted to support the idea that Christians should not call anyone on earth "father". This verse can be a bit confusing and can seem to contradict other passages in the Bible where people are referred to as "father".

In the context of the passage in Matthew, Jesus is addressing the scribes and Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of his time. He is rebuking them for their hypocritical behavior, saying that they love to be seen as important and to receive honor from others. He goes on to say that they should not be called "Rabbi" (teacher) or "father", or be considered leaders, because only God is the ultimate authority and source of truth.

So, what did Jesus mean when he said "do not call anyone on earth 'father'"? Some people interpret this passage to mean that Christians should not call any human being "father" as a title of respect or authority. This interpretation is based on the idea that Jesus was warning against the Pharisees' pride and desire for power, and that he did not want his followers to fall into the same trap.

However, it is important to note that this verse should not be taken too literally. Jesus himself referred to Abraham as "father" in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:24), and the apostle Paul referred to himself as a "father" to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:15). These examples suggest that the Bible does not forbid the use of the term "father" in a respectful or affectionate way.

Another interpretation of this verse is that Jesus was warning against placing too much trust or reliance on human leaders. He was emphasizing the importance of focusing on God as the ultimate authority and source of guidance. In this interpretation, calling someone "father" in a religious context could be seen as giving that person too much power or authority, and possibly leading to idolatry.

Overall, the meaning of Matthew 23:9 is open to interpretation and can depend on the context in which it is being used. Some Christians take it as a literal prohibition against using the title "father", while others see it as a warning against idolizing human leaders. Regardless of the interpretation, it is clear that the Bible emphasizes the importance of focusing on God as the ultimate authority and source of truth.