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OUR RELATION TO CHRIST AND TO EACH OTHER
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 hatefulness 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;
1. 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 propounded 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 an 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. Instead of domineering over one another, those who stand the highest in authority should condescend to take the lowest place in the offices of love, even as our blessed Lord himself did, when he washed his disciples’ feet [Note: ver. 11. with Joh_13:13-15.] — — —]
But as this view of the words is rather for persons who take a lead in the Church, I shall proceed to notice them,
II. In a more general and extended view—
“We have but one Master, even Christ”—
[O, brethren, think how “many lords have had dominion over you,” and how grievously you have neglected the work which Christ has given you to do! Remember, I pray you, that as, in our families, every servant has his proper work assigned him, and is expected to perform it from day to day; so have you your proper office to perform in the family of Christ: and you should be able, at the close of every day, to say as Christ himself did, “Father, I have glorified thee on earth; I have finished the work which thou hast given me to do” — — —]
As for all our fellow-Christians, they are our “brethren”—
[Our Lord did not intend to forbid titles of distinction. It is of necessity that some should be addressed by the name of “Father,” and others by the name of “Master.” That which is here forbidden, is the affecting of such titles, as marks of high distinction, and as means of great authority. Lowliness is that which our Lord approves, and which is the proper fruit of Christianity in the soul. In a family, all are studious to promote the welfare of each other, and ready to make sacrifices for each other’s good. This is the spirit which we should cultivate towards all the members of Christ’s mystical body, yea, and towards every individual of mankind — — —]
Learn here, my brethren,
1. The sublime nature of Christianity, as forming the character of individuals—
[Christianity does not regulate the outward conduct only, but forms the habit of the mind to humility and love — — —]
2. The blessed tendency of Christianity, as contributing to the welfare of the community—
[What a world would this be, if all were brought to this standard of morals, this exercise of mutual kindness! Look at the primitive Church, and there you see it realized [Note: Act_2:44-47.]. O that it might be realized amongst us; and that every one of us in our respective spheres might thus shine as lights in the world! — — —]