What does Jesus mean when He tells us not to call anyone “father”?
The Bible offers varied perspectives on calling someone “father.” Jesus taught not to call anyone on earth “father” in Matthew 23:9, emphasizing God as our ultimate Father. Yet, Paul used the term for himself as a spiritual mentor in 1 Corinthians 4:15. This topic opens discussion on balancing honor for mentors with reverence for God.
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The Bible provides some intriguing perspectives on the use of the title “father.” While Jesus taught, “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9), we also see the term used in the Bible to honor spiritual mentors, ancestors, and leaders. For example, Paul referred to himself as a spiritual father to believers, saying, “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15).
So, what does Jesus mean when He tells us not to call anyone “father”? Could He be cautioning against giving earthly leaders the reverence and authority that belong only to God? How can we balance honoring our spiritual mentors while acknowledging God as our ultimate Father?
Let’s discuss what calling someone “father” truly means in a biblical sense.