Day 35 Bible Reading

Job 31-33, Matthew 23, Psalm 18: 27-42

Matthew 23: 8-10 (ESV)

“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.”

Verses 8-10 from Matthew 23 reminded me today I shouldn’t hold anyone up as greater than Christ. I can read commentary about the Bible from others, but my true authority is how I understand the text for myself according to my relationship with Christ. I felt convicted when I read these verses because there are so many people I admire and read their words and listen to them speak. I read everything they put out, buy all their books, listen to their podcasts if they have them, and ponder their words. These verses are reminding me that no one should stand above Christ for my authority. That when push comes to shove, the words of Christ and in the Bible are my true authority. Sadly some of the people I admire and listen to don’t have a relationship with Christ, but they are true giants in their areas of study. I know I have to be careful because their words and their theories do not have Christ at the center. And I think Jesus is reminding me as well with these verses that my true authority should only come Christ. He is my one teacher, my one father, and my one instructor. I need no other but Christ.