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Explanation for:
Matthew
23
:
7
And salutations in the market place, and to be called by men, Rabbi.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Having expanded their outward appearances and adorned themselves with elaborate fringes in pursuit of recognition from others, they are admonished for their actions. They desire the places of honor at banquets, the most prominent seats in the synagogues, and seek admiration in public as well as indulgence in fine foods, longing to be addressed by the populace as ‘Teacher,’ as the term Rabbi conveys."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"They delight, He states, in taking prominent positions at banquets, enjoying places of honor during gatherings, greeting one another in the marketplace, and being addressed by others as Teacher. While some might view these behaviors as minor, they often lead to significant consequences. Such attitudes have contributed to the decline of both the state and the churches. My heart aches as I reflect on the initial greetings and expressions of affection, pondering how much harm has arisen from them within the body of Christ. However, there is no need to elaborate on this just now, particularly for those of you who are more seasoned in these matters. Instead, let us consider this: Where were the instructors of the law consumed by pride? They were meant to be mindful of humility in the synagogues, where they were tasked with guiding others. Though their behavior at feasts may not seem as inappropriate, even in such settings, a teacher is called to exemplify righteousness—setting an example not only within the church but throughout all aspects of life. A man, by virtue of his humanity, should clearly stand apart from the silent creation, and so too must the teacher be a model in all he does: in his demeanor, in his expressions, in his attire, and in everything else. In contrast, the Pharisees deserve scorn and disgrace for pursuing what they ought to renounce. Yet they relish such status, the question arises: if this desire is condemnable, what then is the act of pursuing it? And how much worse is the folly of striving after it and tormenting oneself in the quest to attain it?"},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Their actions are driven by a desire for glory, and with such intentions, they feel no shame; rather, they seek to be recognized as teachers, proclaiming: rabbi, rabbi!"},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"They enjoy being acknowledged through verbal greetings and various external gestures. They also appreciate being referred to as teachers or rabbi in Hebrew."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Greeting in public spaces serves as an outward display or symbol of profound honor and esteem. The phrase \\"for people to call them: teacher! teacher!\\" represents a prestigious title that indicates their authority. They relished being addressed in this way, as it affirmed their elevated status above others. In Jewish culture, there are three terms for a teacher: rabbi, rabbis, and rabban, each representing varying levels of education and pedagogical responsibility. While some may view these matters as trivial, they can give rise to significant issues; entire cities and congregations have suffered because of them. A teacher ought to embody an example for others to admire, demonstrating this not only within the church but in all facets of life. Whether speaking or remaining silent, sharing a meal, or engaging in any activity, a teacher must consistently reflect a standard of excellence—in behavior, demeanor, attire, and in all aspects of life (Chrysostom)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Truly, these hypocrites possess no authentic good works, and they take pride in trivial and inconsequential matters. These vain individuals seek positions of prominence everywhere. They cherish the honor of being recognized at banquets, desire the chief seats at the dining table, and strive for the highest places in the synagogues, often attempting to occupy the most prominent spots near the ark that contains the sacred texts. They delight in receiving flattering greetings in public gatherings, seeking respectful acknowledgments in busy marketplaces, longing for people to call them: Teacher! Teacher! Blessed Theophylact observes, \\"The Lord's words are unmistakable: let us be watchful! He criticizes the Pharisees for their love of deceit; if only those who cling to it face condemnation, then what fate awaits those who seek it out?\\" St. Chrysostom adds, “Some may consider these matters trivial, yet such seemingly small things can lead to significant evils. From these, entire cities and communities have faced ruin. The Pharisees, particularly where they were instructed to be most vigilant against pride—in the synagogues, where they taught—fell into vanity. While such behavior at feasts might not seem as severe, even there the instructor must exemplify virtue, so others may admire him. This model behavior should extend beyond church settings to every aspect of life. Whether he speaks, remains silent, dines, or engages in other activities, he must be a model in demeanor, gaze, attire, and in all pursuits. In contrast, the Pharisees revealed themselves to be deserving of mockery and disgrace by pursuing what they should have avoided.” The toxic nature of ambition is potent and easily spread; the desire for recognition can even affect those who seem humble. Thus, when addressing the root of all evils—greed and deceit in the teaching office—the Savior condemns this sin with utmost seriousness, opposing it with fervor and strength, while also cautioning His disciples with earnest words of warning."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They seek to receive recognition in every place and desire the prominent seats not only in houses of worship but also at banquets, so that when they congregate and gather with others, they are welcomed and referred to as leaders."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Like many who are consumed by vanity, the Pharisees sought various forms of recognition from those around them. They relished the opportunity to recline at feasts, occupy prominent places at gatherings, receive affectionate greetings in the marketplace, and be addressed as \\"Rabbi\\" by the people. In keeping with Eastern customs, during banquets the Jewish people would lie on cushions or mats near the table, with the most coveted positions in the center and in the synagogues close to the area where the sacred scrolls were stored. The esteemed title of teacher (rabbi, rabbis, or the highest form - rabban) was granted to learned individuals skilled in expounding the law. This title was attributed to John the Baptist by his followers (John 3:26), and particularly to Jesus Christ by His disciples (Matthew 26:25, 49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; John 1:38; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2), as well as by the people at large (Mark 10:51; John 20:16). The Pharisees, despite their failure to embody the dignity associated with this title in practice, still insisted upon public displays of reverence in the streets. “In places where it was especially important to cultivate humility, the Pharisees were morally corrupt, seeking glory for themselves and demanding to be called ‘Teacher, teacher!’ without any sense of shame” (Bl. Theophylact)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus Christ begins His address by acknowledging the power and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the spiritual leaders and interpreters of the Law of Moses, guiding the people to live in accordance with its commandments. He instructs His audience to observe all that they are taught by these leaders. However, He quickly cautions against the corruption found among the Pharisees, urging His listeners not to follow their examples, which stand in stark contrast to the true teachings of the law. Although the Pharisees rigidly impose their standards upon the people, they exhibit a lack of genuine desire to adhere to those same principles themselves. Jesus openly critiques their hypocrisy and self-serving nature: while they demand strict adherence to the law from others, they contribute little to its observance themselves. When they do act, it is primarily to seek recognition from others, presenting themselves as devout without embodying true piety. As a result, they increase their phylacteries and broaden their garments. In contrast to their pride, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility to His disciples."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Following these events, the Lord departed from the temple, delivering a grave warning aimed at the Pharisees and the temple priests, who had led the people into corruption, along with serious admonitions about the approaching judgment of God. As He completed His earthly mission, He indicated that He would persist in His work among the people through His messengers. However, the Pharisees would harass them, as well as the previous witnesses to the truth, thereby increasing the measure of their ancestors' transgressions. Consequently, the judgment of God would be manifested upon the wickedness of Jerusalem."}]}
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