Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Call No Man rabbi (Matt. 23:8) … What does this mean?
Most people who resent the term rabbi quote from Matthew 23:8, but to have a better understanding you must include the following verses to verse 10. A literalistic approach to Matthew 23: 8-10 is inappropriate in the reading of this passage for the following reasons. Yahshua also warns against being called “father” or “teacher” in addition to being called “rabbi.” The context leads me to believe Yahshua is prohibiting believers from accepting unearned honors, appropriating titles and offices for which they are not anointed or chosen of G-d rather than outlawing prohibited titles.
Remember, Yahshua was talking to Jews and therefore dealt with the title that they were most abusing. In the context here He refers to the then accepted common usage of the word rabbi as “Master.” This was a misappropriation of the term of the title assigning authority not given by G-d. He is not picking on one or two titles out of a multitude of manmade titles and forbidding their usage. He is attacking an ungodly principle involving that which religious people tend to play. Their desire for titles that men invest with authority, esteem, and self-importance. This is an ungodly attitude and is prohibited by Yahshua. The proof is all the religious personages who prefix their name with the title Doctor that is not earned yet used to set himself/herself apart from the laity and that is sinful behavior.
If Yahshua were bodily present on the earth today, He would say something like this to religious communities: “Do not be called apostles, prophets, most reverend, reverend, pastor or bible schoolteacher. Why? Because manmade titles and recognition puff up the flesh and are not necessarily, a sign of YHVH’s calling or anointing. In many denominations today, even if scripturally valid is the fad is to be designated as an apostle or prophet without the slightest qualifications, anointing or even understanding for such an office. Even the manmade title of saint is not supported in G-d’s Torah. This title was implemented in the Catholic Church as a reinterpretation of the title of Tzadik in Judaism which means “righteous” at the highest level. The root word sadiq relates to “justice” or righteousness.” Delving into the historical process and spiritual significance of achieving sainthood according to the Catholic Church is tradition that is filled with man-made laws that comprise the canonization process not found in G-d’s Torah.
Since the late 17th century, in Hasidic Judaism, the institution of the mystical tzadik as a divine channel assumed central importance, combining popularization of (hands-on) Jewish mysticism with social movement for the first time. Adapting former Kabbalistic theophilosophical terminology, Hasidic philosophy internalized mystical experience, emphasizing devekut (that is “clinging on” to G-d which may involve a deep, trance-like meditative state attained during prayer. This is associated with the traditions of Kabbalah. Again, this is from man’s perspective and mans designation of a title or name that is not substantiated in G-d’s Torah.
Please also remember that “rabbi” means “teacher,” not the appropriated definition “master” that it had come to be used in Yahshua’s day. Sha’ul (Paul) lists the fivefold office gifting in Ephesians 4 at the end of verse 11 and calls rabbis = teachers a gift to Yahshua’s body. The designation of Rabbi and teacher are synonymous terms, so what is Yahshua saying? Are we not to use the term teacher at all or did He have something else in mind? The Ruach HaKodesh is the “Teacher,” but G-d uses anointed humans as His agents to teach His Torah, if they are true to the definition of rabbi. Teachers of G-d’s Torah typically have specific training beyond what is taught in the general religious system and a rabbi dedicated to teaching G-d’s Torah usually, but not always, have a zeal for biblical research and encouraging their congregations to devote time to Torah study daily.
It seems then that we must discern between those called of G-d as opposed to those appropriating the title for personal reasons. Rabbis, teachers, leaders, pastors must first be servants of G-d, and not masters. There are numerous stories and folklore in Jewish literature that support the idea that many people placed their faith in a particular rabbi and even made major decisions based on a rabbi’s advice. This was the main issue whereby Yahshua admonished the people not to place their faith and trust in a human for divine protection or blessing. We must understand that G-d/Yahshua is our Protector, Savior, Provider, Redeemer. Although He may choose to accomplish His will through humans as is supported in His Torah, the humans do not become G-d. This special “use” or “anointing” of G-d upon an individual does not make them a saint or infer that they are in some way superior to others. It is Yahshua who gave and calls some to become rabbis/teachers to the true body of believers. Unfortunately, the church has a problem with the Hebrew word “Rabbi,” not the concept of teacher. Thereby, revealing their latent anti-Semitism. True rabbis are teachers of G-d’s word.
Finally, in First John 2:13-14, Yochanan calls mature believers in the faith, “fathers”. Was not John paying attention to Yahshua? Didn’t Yahshua warn us not to call any man father in Matt 23:9? Does that also include your biological father? Is not John contradicting Yahshua? On the other hand, maybe John was in rebellion. Of course not! We know that is not the case. He correctly refers to mature believers as fathers of the faith, despite Yahshua’s pronouncement. Therefore, it is safe to say when you are a mature believer and are able to lead others as John said, you are a father of the faith. When you walk in the ministry of teaching, within the Messianic Jewish community, given by Yahshua to teach others, you are a rabbi. He is not picking on two titles as evil over and above all the others! He merely is rebuking the principle of arrogance and pride in man’s tendency to issue or appropriate titles, without divine sanction and anointing!
Shalom v’brachas,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart