The call to teach and guide is deeply embedded in the Christian faith. From the Great Commission in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus instructs his followers to "teach them to observe all that I have commanded you," to the expectation in Hebrews 5:12 that mature believers should be able to instruct others, the importance of passing on knowledge and wisdom is clear. Yet, within this framework, Jesus' emphatic statement in Matthew 23:8-10 resonates with a powerful caution: "But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ."
How do we reconcile this apparent tension? How does Jesus' declaration about one ultimate Teacher shape our understanding of Christian leadership and teaching today? Examining the landscape of modern Christian leaders reveals both inspiring examples and potential pitfalls in light of these foundational scriptures.
The One Instructor: Christ as the Ultimate Authority
Jesus' words in Matthew 23 were a direct rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, who sought honorific titles and positioned themselves as the ultimate interpreters of God's law. He cautioned his disciples against adopting this hierarchical and prideful approach. The core message remains vital: ultimate authority in matters of faith and life rests solely with Christ. His teachings, his life, and the Holy Spirit he sends are the primary sources of truth and guidance for believers.
This has profound implications for Christian leadership today. Any leader, whether a pastor, teacher, author, or influencer, must recognize that their role is secondary and derivative. They are stewards of the truth revealed in Christ, not its ultimate source. Their authority comes from their faithfulness to his Word and their humility in serving his people.
The Call to Guide: Delegated Responsibility in Action
Despite the singular authority of Christ, the New Testament clearly outlines roles of leadership and teaching within the church. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are all mentioned as gifts given to equip the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12). These roles are not meant to usurp Christ's authority but to facilitate the understanding and application of his teachings within the community of believers.
Modern Christian leaders fulfill this call in diverse ways:
Pastors: Shepherd congregations, providing spiritual guidance, teaching the Scriptures, and offering pastoral care.
Teachers: Instruct believers in the doctrines of the faith, helping them grow in their understanding of God's Word.
Authors and Speakers: Share biblical insights and theological reflections through written and spoken mediums, reaching wider audiences.
Mentors and Small Group Leaders: Offer personal guidance and facilitate deeper learning within smaller relational contexts.
When these leaders operate with humility and a clear recognition of Christ's ultimate authority, they serve as invaluable guides, helping others navigate their faith journey and grow in their relationship with the Lord. They point people to Christ and his Word, rather than to themselves.
The Pitfalls of Pride: When Leadership Obscures the Teacher
However, the history of the church, and indeed the contemporary Christian landscape, is not without examples of leaders who have inadvertently or intentionally stepped into the role that belongs solely to Christ. This can manifest in various ways:
Cult of Personality: When followers elevate a leader to an almost infallible status, prioritizing their pronouncements over Scripture itself.
Hierarchical Structures that Stifle Dialogue: When leadership becomes so top-down that questioning or differing interpretations are discouraged, hindering the individual's direct engagement with Christ and his Word.
Focus on Personal Branding and Influence: When the primary goal of leadership seems to be building a personal platform or amassing followers, rather than exalting Christ.
Distortion of Scripture to Fit Personal Agendas: When leaders manipulate or misinterpret biblical texts to support their own doctrines or maintain control.
Unaccountability and Lack of Transparency: When leaders operate without genuine accountability to a broader body of believers, creating an environment where errors can go unchecked.
These tendencies directly contradict Jesus' teaching in Matthew 23. They risk creating a system where individuals are more reliant on a human leader than on their direct relationship with Christ, the ultimate Teacher.
Embracing Humble Guidance: The Path Forward
The ideal for Christian leadership today lies in embracing the role of humble guides who consistently point others to Christ. This involves:
Prioritizing Scripture: Ensuring that all teaching and guidance is firmly rooted in the Bible and encourages individuals to study and interpret it for themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Fostering Discernment: Equipping believers to think critically and biblically, rather than blindly following human authority.
Promoting Peer Accountability: Leaders should be accountable to other godly individuals and open to correction and feedback.
Exalting Christ: The ultimate aim of all Christian leadership should be to magnify Jesus and lead people into a deeper relationship with him.
Serving with Humility: Leaders should model the servant heart of Christ, prioritizing the needs of those they lead above their own.
In conclusion, while the call to teach and guide remains a vital aspect of the Christian faith, Jesus' words in Matthew 23 serve as a crucial corrective. There is indeed only one ultimate Teacher, the Christ. Modern Christian leaders are called to embrace the role of humble guides, faithfully and lovingly pointing others to the supreme authority of Jesus and his Word, fostering a community of believers who are ultimately disciples of Christ, learning directly from him. The beauty of Christian leadership lies not in amassing personal influence, but in equipping others to know and follow the one true Master.
