Call No One Father

When Respect Becomes Reverence

And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven.

 — Matthew 23:9

We've spent much of this week's reflections talking about families, parents, and the responsibilities that come with belonging to one another. We began with the twelve tribes of Israel, considering how families provide a foundation for human relationships and communities. We then considered the painful consequences of human freedom, and how a loving God permits us to make decisions that may sometimes lead to suffering. Yesterday, the Apostle Paul described his ministry among the Thessalonians as being like that of a father with his children—encouraging, comforting, and urging them toward lives worthy of God. And now, in today's Gospel, Jesus makes a startling declaration: “Call no one your father on earth.” After all that we've said about the importance of fathers and families, what are we to make of this?

First, I think we ought to resist the temptation to explain away Jesus' words simply because they make us uncomfortable. The practice of addressing priests and other religious leaders as “Father” remains common in several Christian traditions. Those traditions have thoughtful explanations for the practice, often distinguishing spiritual fatherhood from the unique fatherhood of God. And Paul himself sometimes used parental language to describe his relationships with believers. Nevertheless, when someone points to this passage and asks whether such titles are appropriate, the question deserves to be taken seriously. Jesus really did say these words. Perhaps we need not settle every question about religious titles to recognize that he was warning against something important. The distinction between an earthly father and our heavenly Father is not merely a matter of capitalization. It concerns the authority, reverence, and unquestioning loyalty we may be tempted to give another human being.

Consider the people Jesus was addressing. He describes religious leaders who enjoy prominent seats, public recognition, respectful greetings, and impressive titles. They are eager to be seen as important, yet they place burdens upon others that they themselves are unwilling to carry. Jesus even tells the people to observe their teaching, while warning them not to imitate their behavior. We might summarize the contradiction in a familiar expression: “Do as I say, not as I do.” And isn't that still one of the great temptations of leadership? A person may possess impressive credentials, occupy a distinguished office, or command the admiration of thousands, while failing to demonstrate the character that ought to accompany such responsibilities. Education, experience, and position can be valuable. But they do not automatically confer wisdom, integrity, or moral authority. A title may tell us what position someone occupies. It cannot tell us whether that person deserves our trust.

We might even consider our familiar expression “Founding Fathers.” There are good reasons to remember and honor those who helped establish our nation. Their accomplishments and ideas have influenced generations of Americans. But surely the respect we extend to them should not require us to overlook their mistakes, contradictions, or moral failures. The same is true of the founders of churches, institutions, and families. We can appreciate what our ancestors gave us without pretending that they were perfect. Indeed, remembering them honestly may be a greater expression of respect than turning them into untouchable figures. Gratitude is not the same as unquestioning allegiance. We do not dishonor our fathers by recognizing their humanity. Nor do we honor them by placing them beyond criticism.

And now, just two days before a national election, perhaps we should allow Jesus' words to challenge us in another direction. How easily do we recognize the vanity, hypocrisy, and moral failings of leaders whom we oppose! And how readily do we find explanations, excuses, and justifications for the same behavior among leaders whom we support! This is not a failing confined to one political party, religious denomination, or philosophical persuasion. It is a human temptation. We may become so attached to a leader, a movement, or a cause that our loyalty to a person begins to overshadow the principles we claim to uphold. We criticize others for treating their leaders as though they can do no wrong, while failing to recognize the same inclination in ourselves. Perhaps one of the most useful questions we can ask is this: Would I defend this behavior if someone on the other side were doing it? The mirror can be uncomfortable. But Jesus did not call us merely to identify hypocrisy in other people. He called us to examine our own hearts.

And then comes the beautiful conclusion to Jesus' teaching: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Here, at last, we find the measure of genuine greatness. Not the title. Not the credential. Not the prominent seat or the cheering crowd. Service. The loving father we considered yesterday does not exercise authority merely to demonstrate his importance. He teaches, encourages, protects, and gradually prepares his children to live responsibly and freely. The worthy teacher does not demand admiration but helps students grow in understanding. The faithful leader does not make others dependent upon personal power but helps them become stronger, wiser, and more capable themselves. Jesus reminds his listeners that they are all members of one family, with one Father in heaven. We may honor our earthly fathers, our ancestors, our teachers, and our leaders. But none of them should occupy the place that belongs to God alone. The highest expression of human authority is not the power to be served, but the willingness to serve.

Reflectionary is an ongoing conversation with Scripture. If these reflections are meaningful to you, please subscribe and come back often. And by all means, join the conversation—your questions, disagreements, insights and reflections are always welcome.