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Explanation for:
Matthew
23
:
12
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
12
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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":"No one is to be referred to as teacher or father except for God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. He is called the Father because all creation originates from Him, and He is recognized as the Teacher because all understanding is through Him, notably as we have been reconciled to God through the incarnation of His Son. It raises the question of why the Apostle identifies himself as a teacher of languages (2 Cor. 5:20); or why, in common vernacular, particularly in the monasteries of Palestine and Egypt, individuals refer to one another as father. This matter is clarified as follows: to be a father or a teacher by nature differs fundamentally from being a father or teacher by grace. When we address someone as father, we convey respect for their age rather than asserting that they are the source of our existence. Similarly, someone is deemed a teacher due to their cooperation in the work of the true Teacher. To avoid extending this inquiry indefinitely, it can be stated that just as there is one Father and one Son who do not preclude others from being called gods and sons by adoption, so too does the existence of one Father and Teacher allow for others to be affectionately referred to as fathers and teachers, albeit these titles are not appropriately theirs in the same sense."},{"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":"Truly, nothing surpasses the essence of humility, which is why the Savior consistently emphasizes its importance. He demonstrated this by presenting little children as models of humility, echoing this theme in His teachings, including His Sermon on the Mount where He introduced the beatitudes. In His teachings, He also opposes pride, declaring, “He who humbles himself will be exalted.” Notice how He guides His listeners to act contrary to pride. He not only advises against aspiring to be first but encourages choosing the lowly position instead. In doing so, He conveys that this is the path to fulfillment. Therefore, those who seek to be first must willingly accept the last position: “He that humbles himself shall be exalted.” But where can we find such humility? Do you wish to journey once more to the realm of virtue, to the sanctuaries of the saints, symbolized by mountains and valleys? There we witness the apex of humility. There, individuals who once basked in worldly honor or wealth now restrain themselves in all matters: lacking fine garments, comfortable homes, or servants, they visibly exemplify humility in every aspect. All that fosters pride—opulent attire, grand abodes, numerous servants that might trigger egotism—has been cast aside. They gather their own firewood, prepare their meals, and serve all who arrive. In that space, one will not encounter insults hurled at others, nor will one see anyone treated with disdain; there are no superiors or subordinates, as all are servants, each striving to wash the feet of travelers. They perform this act without regard for whether their fellow servants are free or enslaved, treating everyone equally. There exists no hierarchy. But is there, then, a lack of order? On the contrary, there is a remarkable structure present. While there may be distinctions in statuses, the one in authority sees himself as lower and, through this humility, becomes greater. All share the same table, whether they are served or serving; they partake of the same food, don similar garments, reside in identical spaces, and live alike. The greatest among them is the one who humbles himself enough to take on the lowest tasks. In this community, there is no separation of belongings, and the very terms that spark countless disputes have been expelled."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"At this celebration, which represents God's invitation, the Jews anticipated being seated among the honored guests. However, they were instead humbled and found themselves behind the Gentiles. The Gentiles, understanding that they were unworthy of such an invitation, were placed ahead of the Jews who had been called earlier. The essence lies not in the order of invitations but in the nobility of how one responds. The Jews received an invitation to a collective meal, while the Gentiles were invited to a lavish banquet. The prophets extended the invitation to the Jews, whereas the Son Himself, who is the source of the feast, called the Gentiles. God chose the Jews in honor of their ancestors, while the Gentiles were accepted due to their own faith. This is reflected in Christ's words regarding the Jews: “When you are called by anyone to the marriage feast of Christ, do not sit in the first place” (Luke 14:8)."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"It is evident that those who promote new teachings often pursue the honor of teaching out of vanity and pride. In response, the Lord dispels this notion and blocks the path that leads to destruction. Thus, if you seek honor and leadership, He advises, aim for the positions of the ministers and the younger ones, embracing a spirit of humility."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Who could fail to point out the inconsistency in your behavior, given that you have scorned wealth and family, and have embraced a life of humility? Yet now, you carry yourself with pride, as though you have forgotten the divine command that instructs those who seek to elevate themselves to first practice humility. If you are not engulfed by waves of pride, then awaken to a clearer perspective and honor your commitments. For you understand that true humility, which flourishes alongside virtue, aligns those who live righteously with God. In contrast, pride not only disrupts the present but also causes the lofty to fall from the heights of heaven, to which the morning star is subject (Isaiah 14:12)."},{"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":"Anyone who lifts themselves up, believing they are of great importance, will find themselves forsaken by God and brought low."},{"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":"Humility represents the highest virtue for humanity; hence, it is frequently addressed by Christ to reinforce its significance in the hearts of His followers through persistent reminders. He instructs not only against desiring positions of honor but also encourages the pursuit of the least esteemed places, for the former brings shame to those who cherish it, while the latter elevates those who aspire to it."},{"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":"Arrogance and self-promotion stand in opposition to God, which is why He brings low those who are proud. For \\"WHOEVER EXALTS HIMSELF SHALL BE HUMBLED, AND HE WHO HUMBLETH HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED.\\" St. Chrysostom affirms that \\"Nothing can compare with humility.\\" Observe how He guides the listener to act in direct contrast to pride, not only prohibiting the pursuit of prominence but also encouraging the choice of the lowest position."},{"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":"Those who lift themselves up, etc.: God brings down the haughty while elevating the humble—this principle embodies the fundamental guideline for moral growth in the Christian faith."},{"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":"...those who humble themselves in this life will be lifted up in the next, whereas those who elevate themselves, seeking to have others serve and honor them, will be regarded by God as the least esteemed. Such self-promotion will lead to their humiliation at the final judgment."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"By instructing His followers to refrain from seeking empty glory, the Savior revealed to them the fundamental principle of Christian achievement through humility: But let the one who is in pain be your servant, and he who humbles himself will be elevated."},{"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 discourse by acknowledging the ongoing influence and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the educators of the people, interpreters of the Law of Moses, and guides for living according to its stipulations. He instructs His audience to heed and execute all that they are commanded. However, He swiftly cautions them about the moral decay among the Pharisees, urging them not to follow the example of those whose behavior starkly opposes the teachings found in the Law. The Pharisees are meticulous in enforcing their expectations on the people, yet they have no intention of adhering to these standards themselves. Christ condemns their hypocrisy and superficiality, indicating that while they impose strict legal demands on others, they contribute little to fulfilling the law themselves; any action taken is often motivated by a desire for self-glory rather than genuine righteousness. Consequently, they increase their phylacteries and expand their garments. In contrast, Jesus emphasizes the significance of humility among His followers."}]}
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