True Discipleship: Following Master Jesus in Humility and Service. (Matthew 23:1-12)

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace and Love of Christ be with you!!!

Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the motivations that drive our actions especially in the religious sphere.  Jesus speaks to both the crowds and His disciples, exposing the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He warns against a spirituality that is only external, the tendance of seeking human honors, power, and prestige rather than genuine service and love for God. But beyond His rebuke, Jesus presents a radical vision for true greatness in the Kingdom of God: "The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12).

A Religion of Appearances vs. A Faith of the Heart

Jesus’ words challenge us to reflect on the nature of our faith. The scribes and Pharisees had positions of religious authority, but their hearts were far from the God they claimed to serve. They were obsessed with public recognition, longing for places of honor at banquets and the highest seats in the synagogues. Their concern was not holiness, but reputation.

How often do we fall into this same trap? Do we sometimes act in ways that seek recognition rather than true service? Do we measure our spiritual success by how others perceive us rather than by the depth of our love for God and neighbor? True faith is not about looking holy; it is about being holy. It is not about grand titles; it is about humble service.

The Danger of Seeking Honor for Ourselves

Jesus warns against the desire to be called "Rabbi" or "Father" in a self-glorifying way. His point is not about forbidding titles, after all, the New Testament still refers to spiritual fathers (1 Cor 4:15) and teachers (Eph 4:11). Rather, His concern is about the attitude behind it. The scribes and Pharisees wanted these titles for power, but Jesus reminds us that there is only one true Master, one true Teacher, one true Father, God Himself.

When we seek to exalt ourselves, we place ourselves at the center instead of Christ. Our “ego”, “self-image” becomes our idol that we worship consciously or unconsciously. But when we serve with humility, we mirror the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

True Greatness Lies in Humility

Jesus turns the world’s values upside down: the path to greatness is through humility, and the way to be exalted is by lowering ourselves in service to others. This is the very life He lived. The King of Kings was born in a manger, walked among sinners, washed the feet of His disciples, and gave His life on the Cross. If our Lord humbled Himself in such a way, how can we seek any other path?

Today, Jesus is calling us to embrace the way of humility. This does not mean thinking less of ourselves, but rather thinking of ourselves less. It means choosing to serve rather than be served, to seek the good of others rather than our own advantage.

Living the Gospel Message Today

This passage is not just about the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, it is about us. If we truly follow Christ, our faith must be more than words, rituals, or public displays. It must be a life of service, love, and authentic relationship with God.

Let us sincerely ask yourself the following questions today:

• Am I more concerned with how I appear before others than how I stand before God?
• Do I use my gifts and positions to serve, or do I seek recognition?
• How can I imitate Christ’s humility in my daily life?

The Invitation to True Discipleship

Jesus is calling us to be different from the world. He invites us to step away from pride, from a faith of mere appearances, and to embrace a life of humble service. The world may measure greatness by power, fame, and status, but the Kingdom of God measures greatness by love, humility, and sacrifice.

Let us, then, strive not for titles but for holiness. Let us not seek to be recognized but to serve. And above all, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our one true Teacher and Lord, who humbled Himself for our sake and now calls us to do the same.

"Whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

May God help us live today’s message as a mark of our discipleship! Amen.