Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 23:8-10

"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ." — Matthew 23:8-10 (ASV)

In the Church of Christ, all titles and honors that exalt people and give occasion for pride are forbidden here. In the Christian commonwealth, we should seek to realize a truer “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,” than that for which the world clamors in vain. He who is called “Rabbi” robs Christ of His honor as the only Master or Teacher of His disciples, for one is your Master, even Christ. He also takes from His fellow Christians the privilege that they share equally with Him, and all you are brethren.

Those who use such titles as “Holy Father” and “Right Reverend Father in God” would have difficulty explaining away our Savior’s words, Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. In the tenth verse, our Lord’s words might be rendered, Neither be you called leaders (guides, instructors): for one is your Leader (Guide, Instructor), even the Christ (the Messiah). If we follow Him, we cannot go wrong.