Arrogance and Humility
Greatest shall be the least
In Matthew 23:1–12 Jesus addresses the crowds and his disciples about the religious leaders (the scribes and Pharisees). He acknowledges their position of authority—“do what they teach”—but warns against following their example. Their actions, he says, are inconsistent with their words: they burden people with rules while refusing to help, seek honor, and act for show. Jesus criticizes their love of titles, status, and outward displays of piety, calling such behavior hypocritical and spiritually misleading. He contrasts two ways of living: the proud who exalt themselves will be humbled, while the humble who serve others will be exalted. Central to his teaching is the call to humility and servant leadership—true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humble service and genuine care for others, not in public recognition or hierarchical privilege.
(ai summarized)
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 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. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”