Matt, xxiii. 8. One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye
are brethren.
THE mind of man naturally affects pre-eminence and power : and this was peculiarly the habit of the Scribes and Pharisees in our Lord's day. The hate- fulness of such a disposition he pointed out to them, and strongly guarded his disciples against it ; shewing them, that the Messiah alone was to be regarded as the source and centre of all authority ; and that they, of whatever rank they were, were to consider each other as brethren.
Now, in treating this admonition, I shall consider it, I. With an immediate reference to the subject in hand —
Two things our blessed Lord designed to teach his disciples ;
L Not to affect pre-eminence for themselves —
[" Rabbi" was a title which conveyed the highest possible respect: and therefore it was so fondly delighted in by the Scribes and Pharisees. It, in fact, ascribed to the person so designated a very high degree of wisdom ; such as justified him in dictating to others, and in having his sentiments pro- pounded as a law. But our blessed Lord would have it known, that there is no wisdom which is not derived from him, nor any authority but what proceeds from him ; and that therefore all must look to him, and him alone, as giving law to his people, and as regulating, in every respect, whatever relates either to their faith or practice ]
2. Not to usurp authority over others —
[As " Christ is the one Master of all," so is " Almighty God the Father of all :" all, therefore, are fellow-servants in the same household, and "brethren" in the same family. There are, indeed, different offices to be performed by servants ; but no servant is at liberty to exercise au independent authority : and so also are there different ages amongst brethren ; but in their feelings towards each other they are not any of them to forget for one moment the relation in which they stand. In- stead of domineering over one another, those who stand the highest in authority should condescend to take the lowest