Don't Be Called a Leader

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Scripture

Matt. 23:10 “And do not be called 1leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.
Matt. 23:11 “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
Matt. 23:12 “And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

Observation

Jesus was addressing the Pharisees who thought far too much of themselves.  They saw themselves as the spiritual leaders of their people and yet they were leading their people to spiritual destruction.  The word here used for leader can also be translated "teacher."  Whichever one you use, he was warning them to recognize that the only true leader or teacher for them was the Messiah -- or the Christ!  They had been holding themselves up as honored individuals above all others and Jesus was reminding them that there was One greater.  We are to lift up the One who is greater because if someone exalts themselves, they will be humbled. 

Application

We are called to live lives of humility in this world and everything about our lives should point people to the Messiah.  This is a great reminder on a weekend where many people are celebrating commencement and human achievements.  Really, they are nothing except achievements which are to glorify God.  Human achievements would include being called a leader or a teacher, but Jesus reminds us that these are not titles which are to be placed upon us as humans, but should be reserved for the true Leader and Teacher -- the Messiah! 

The problem is that too often we can place our trust in ourselves and our own personal abilities.  Any talents and abilities which we may have are simply a gift from God to be used for his kingdom purposes in a desire to draw men and women to him.  It's not for us to be called "leader" but for us to lead people to the true "leader."  Jesus will lead us and teach us in all the ways of life.  May he be exalted!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your leadership and guidance and please, help my life to lead others to you.  Amen.

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