“What’s in a Name?”

Matthew 23: 3, 8: “… they say things, and do not do them … But do not be called Rabbi … Father … Leader” Why does Jesus suddenly seem to have an issue with titles? Is He banning them altogether? No, but the Pharisees had gotten to the place where they loved playing Church more than serving people. They had seated themselves in Moses’ chair, and grew to like it so much they never got up from it – except to be served by others. Jesus says here, “What are they actually doing? Are they truly teaching? Fathering? Leading? Serving? If not, forget the titles.” He sees through the titles, straight to the heart, and discerns: self-serving, or God-serving? That’s His real issue.