Special Religious Titles and Garments

by Clarence R. Johnson

6-26-11

In Mark 12:38-40, Jesus told His listeners, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."

Matthew in chapter 23 of his account of the gospel gives a much longer and more detailed account of this speech. He shows that Jesus rebuked both the scribes and the Pharisees, not only for wearing special religious garb to attract attention to themselves -- and the other matters mentioned by Mark -- but also for appropriating to themselves special religious titles as well.

"They love...to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' But you, do not be called 'Rabbi': for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven...'" See Matt. 23:6-10.

Jesus had spoken similarly even earlier, in His sermon on the mount, cautioning His hearers not to practice acts of religion for the purpose of being seen and praised by men. See Matt. 6:1-18.

Now, back to our text. Certainly Christ's followers are to adorn themselves in modest apparel, 1 Tim. 2:9. If the world in general begins to wear robes (or dresses) so short as to be immodest, then God's people will have to dress differently. But they should never dress differently just to call attention to themselves. God had authorized special garments in Old Testament priests, but in this New Testament age, all Christians are priests, 1 Pet. 2:9, and special priestly garments not only are unauthorized, but actually violate the principle taught in Mark 12:38.

The same goes for special religious titles. Paul, Peter and John all referred figuratively to their converts as their "children" but there is no evidence whatsoever that these men used the term "Father" as a spiritual religious title for themselves. They could not have done so without clearly violating the principle Christ taught in Matt. 23:9. And while most Protestants would heartily agree with us on this point, the vast majority of them have nevertheless set their preachers apart by special titles, and in many cases, special religious garments.

One never reads in the Scriptures of "Father Peter," "Reverend James," or "Doctor Paul." Though there obviously were different gifts and abilities given to various New Testament Christians, enabling some to be apostles and prophets, some to be evangelists or preachers, some to be pastors (elders) or teachers -- none of these words constitute religious titles, and none were used to elevate one faithful Christian above another. Jesus said, "You are all brethren... And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"(Matt. 23:8-12). Better to humble oneself before men, and let God do the exalting in the day of judgment.

-- Via The Susquehanna Sentinel, September 12, 2004

Submitted by Lowell Kitchen

SENTENCE SERMON:

The world belongs to the person who is wise enough to change their mind in the presence of facts.