And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Matthew 23:7-12

It is in the old (fallen) nature of man to desire prestige and importance, especially when it makes us feel better about ourselves. Those who desire, or demand, to be called by a title seek recognition among men, not honor from God or toward God.

The title Rabbi was not in use until a short time before the first century A.D. We find no evidence that Ezra, Jeremiah, or any of the prophets or teachers used this or any other title. The use of the term fits well into the scheme of self-righteousness the Pharisees depended on to feel justified.

Rabbi means great one. No doubt having people repeat that to you over and over all day long would make you feel important! But, is there any man that deserves the title of great one? 

Jesus even objected when someone called Him good! (Matthew 19:17)

Another title the religious leaders like was Master. This title implies that the person has power over others. Other people are required to serve them. Further, the title master implies that the person is a master of a particular subject or skill. No man is a master of all knowledge, much less a master of righteousness! 

Only Jesus Christ is the Master.

Mainstream Christianity does not use either of these above titles but the title Father is used quite regularly. This title may be worse than the other two put together!

Jesus is not saying that we cannot call our natural father by this title. He is referring to the meaning of the title with regard to our spirituality. The term father points to authority and the source or cause of being. No man is the source of regeneration, adoption, sanctification, or justification for any other man. 

Only God is our Father!

There are many other titles that men have claimed for themselves in leadership roles in Christianity. These titles should be shunned as well.

The term reverend is quite common across denominational lines. This title also presumes to take away honor and glory due to God.

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Psalms 111:9

Not only have men used this title putting themselves in the place of God, they have exalted themselves above God by adding adjectives to it – Right Reverend, Most Right Reverend, Holy Reverend, etc.

We should never be seeking to have a title which puts us above our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus concludes this lesson with the same warning He gave multiple times during His ministry. If we put ourselves above other people, God WILL bring us down!