Equal brothers under one God

God

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Overview

• God is our only master• Not having second masters• Not exercising authority over others• Problem of authorities who want to be our

master• Practical: what “God is our only master”

means for us• (Exalting ourselves vs humbling ourselves)• (Practical: what “humble” means for us)• Paul’s teachings on submission

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” Mk 12:30

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” Mt 6:24

God is our only Master

God God

God as sole master ✔ Has two masters ✘

We can’t accept second masters due to conflict of interest

Don’t be a second master“The kings of the nations are lords over them; and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should become like the youngest, and the leader should become like the one who serves” Lk 22:26; similarly Mt 20:25-28, Mk 10:42-45

• Lord=master=kurios• To ‘be lord over’ or

exercise authority over someone is to be a second master to them

God

Exercise ✘ authority over him

“The son… can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” Jn 5:19

“I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say” Jn 12:49-50

“The Spirit of truth…will guide you into all truth” Jn 16:13

Jesus’ only master was God

God

God was Jesus’ sole master ✔

Jesus said and did only what the Father told him to.The HS can do the same for us.

Problem: existing masters and authorities

(a) Authority claims to represent God and his wishes. “God wants you to obey us”“To obey us is to obey God”

eg pastor, husband, parents, some rulers.

A good “master” can be better than no master at all (eg good parents for children).

BUT only Jesus and HS are perfect representatives of God.

GodGod

(b) Dominating power or influence; may be forceful; may penalise if not obeyed.

eg secular rulers, employers, dominant spouse or relative

Jesus sometimes refused to do what the authorities wanted:• Refused to limit healing to 6 days/week when synagogue ruler wanted it; he

contradicted and ‘humiliated’ him Lk 13:14-17.

• Drove moneychangers and merchants out of the temple area Mt 21:12-17

• Refused to answer most of the high priest’s questions Mt 26:62-63 Jn 18:19-23 and Pilate’s questions Jn 19:9-11.

Jesus sometimes rejected the authorities’ laws and values:• Called Pharisees and teachers of Law “hypocrites” and said they had let go of the

commands of God and were holding on to the traditions of men Mk 7:5-8 (over his disciples not handwashing as prescribed)

• Refuted the Pharisees when they declared his disciples rubbing grain on the sabbath was “unlawful” Mt 12:1-8.

• Denounced the teachers of the Law and Pharisees at length Mt 23.

Jesus and the authorities

• Did what his Father told him—wasn’t always what the leaders wanted.• Obeyed God’s Law—but not the rules of men when they conflicted.• Avoided conflict if possible, eg paid temple tax although he said it was wrong of them to require it Mt 17:24-27 • (Didn’t seek out conflict; not a rebel; not anarchic; not self-pleasing)

(Jesus and the authorities cont’d)

Jesus did

Must not do (acc. to Jews)

May do (acc to Jews)

Zone of conflict,Eg sabbath healing

Jesus portrayed human authorities as a source of persecution:

• Would be handed over to councils, flogged in synagogues, arrested and brought before kings; HS would give them words to say Mt 10:17-19 Mk 13:9-11

• Throughout Acts, disciples were arrested, flogged, imprisoned and killed by various authorities, eg who forbade them to preach Jesus Acts 5:28

• Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men” Acts 5:29 and continued!

Disciples & authorities

Human authorities are a source of persecution, not our guides into all truth.

Following Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit will sometimes lead us into conflict with authorities

“The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees have sat down on the seat of Moses; so whatever they tell you to keep, keep [it] and do [it]. But don’t do what they do, for they say [it] but don’t do [it].” Mt 23:2 literally.

What about Mt 23:2?

• NIV translates it as “you must obey them”—incorrect. • “Seat of Moses” – a seat in synagogues from which the Law of Moses was read.• Saying to keep the Law of Moses which the teachers of the Law read out.

• “Teachers of the Law and Pharisees” – primarily religious instructors (associated with the synagogue system) rather than authority figures.

• “Keep” = Greek tēreō = keep or guard; used of “keeping” laws or commands or teaching, and “guarding” a prisoner, but never of “obeying” a person.

• Specific to a situation where certain teachers said the right thing but didn’t do it.Not a general teaching to obey human rulers.

• Rest of Mt 23 is a resounding denouncement of their many sins!• Moses’ original seat = sat as judge and informed the people of God’s laws Ex 18:13-16.

Ruins of synagogue at Chorazin, Galilee, Israel

A “Moses seat” at Chorazin synagogue, Galilee, Israel

Uncommon because we love our neighbour, willing to help, follow Jesus teaching.

Led by God into conflict with an existing authority:• Vow• Prosecuting College of Surgeons for breach• Senior Pastor fired Associate Pastor for following the Holy Spirit• Don’t automatically accept church views on bible, salvation etc

In practice:conflict

with authorities

GodGod

Recipe for burnout, confusion, frustration etc

Detached from mastery of:• Girlfriend 1992• Parents 1984, 1993• Work 2000• Spouse 2001• Church/pastor 2006

Problem: many masters

God

work

church

children

spouse

parents

Don’t invite second mastersGod

? Accept ?

In practice: we don’t enter into slave-master relationships• eg mission organisation wanted slave-master contract

We don’t need anyone’s permission if we’ve heard from HS• eg offering seminars; going around Zambia

We only agree to do things (or accept restrictions) if we think the HS wants us to• eg Harry; didn’t commit to Sundays because HS might want something else

Obey God, not othersGod

God as Master

GodGod

Human master No master Self-pleasing“Lone Ranger”

✔ ✘though a good master who

represents God reasonably well is better than no master*

✘

*Joshua

“Exalting” and “Humbling”

God

People have different power and status in society

Exalt = hypsoō = to lift up, put in a high position:

“Exalting” and “Humbling”

God

People have different power and status in society

Exalt = hypsoō = to lift up, put in a high position:

“Exalting” and “Humbling”

God

People have different power and status in society

Humbles = tapeinoō = take a low position:

“Exalting” and “Humbling”

God

People have different power and status in society

Humbles = tapeinoō = take a low position:

“Exalting” and “Humbling”

Being humble is not merely• Being modest about my high position and status• Using my high position and status to help others

Being humble involves• leaving my high position and taking a lower position• and helping others

Exalting group A over group B can be achieved 2 ways:

Exalting behaviours

God God God

Exalting group A

Putting group B down

Exalting behaviours

God

Putting A in authority over Bis the same as

requiring B to submit to AA

B

“The kings of the nations are lords over them; and those who exercise authority over them are called Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should become like the youngest, and the leader should become like the one who serves” Lk 22:26; similarly Mt 20:25-28, Mk 10:42-45

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Mt 23:8-12

Jesus on Equal Brothers

Equality, not hierarchy or class

GodGod

Equality: brothers under God ✔

vs

• We are all brothers on the same level• Those who exalt themselves will be

brought down (so don’t do it)• Those who humble themselves will

become great and be exalted (do this)• Titles reflect status and authority, so

don’t use them

Hierarchy, different status ✘

“The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change (lit. turn) and become like children (paidion= child 0-12y), you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 18:1-4

Humbling

Need to take a low position like a child to enter the Kingdom.

Children aren’t powerful and titled.

Exalting and HumblingExalting behaviours (bad) Humble behaviours (good)

Be Lord or master over others;Exercise power or authority over others Mt 20:20-28 Mk 10:42-45 Lk 22:24-27

Helping others like a servant or slave Mt 20:20-28 Mk 9:33-35 Mk 10:42-45 Lk 22:24-27

Using titles (like Rabbi or Teacher or Father ) Mt 23:7-12

Take a position as low as a child Mt 18:1-4; welcome children Lk 9:46-48

Taking important seats and places Mt 23:6 Lk 11:43 Lk 14:7-11

Take a low, unimportant seat

Judgmental of othersLk 18:9-14

Admitting own fault, asking God’s help

Lk 18:9-14

Clothes which give status (flowing robes, long tassels) Mk 12:38, Mt 23:5

Ordinary clothes?

• Seek to help, offer, explain, discuss—not dictate or insist• Don’t exercise authority over Teena; work as equals under God• Give opportunities to others who would otherwise stay in a low position (“facilitation”)• Don’t use “Dr” title• Gave away my best clothes!• Take on low tasks, eg cleaning up, emptying chemical toilet, helping Zambians build a

house and working alongside them• Don’t let others put us on a pedestal, eg Zambians: “Your wish is my final decision”,

“Father”

What it means for us

Paul’s teachingon submission

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers bring no fear for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Paul, letter to Romans 13:1-4, ~ 56 AD

A new teaching: not in gospels, Law, psalms or prophets.

Paul’s teaching on submission

“Rulers bring no fear for those who do right…. Do what is right and he will commend you.” Paul, letter to Romans 13:3

64AD, Emperor Nero rumoured to have started the great fire; and so "to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace“ “A vast multitude were convicted… And in their deaths they were made the subjects of sport…” (Annals by Tacitus)

The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer

“There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God…. He is God’s servant” Paul, letter to Romans 13:1,4

Septimius Severus (Roman emperor 193-211) enacted a law prohibiting the spread of Christianity and Judaism, leading to widespread persecution. Clement of Alexandria wrote, “Many martyrs are daily burned, confined, or beheaded, before our eyes.”

Joseph Stalin (Soviet premier 1941-53) rose to absolute power with purges in 1937-8 killing 700,000 potential enemies in quick “trials”. Directly responsible for ~ 9 million deaths by execution, gulags, deportations and POWs. Regime recorded 3 million executions.

Idi Amin (president of Uganda 1971-9) killed ~ 300,000 in 1971-2; expelled Uganda’s entire Asian population (80,000) and seized their businesses.

“There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God…. He is God’s servant” Paul, letter to Romans 13:1,4

• Rulers are no more righteous than the rest of the world (just more powerful)

• Rulers are often very evil, killing innocent people

• Misrepresentation of God to claim he put them in power or is responsible for their actions

• Makes it difficult to trust a God who would support such evil regimes

• I don’t accept

• What does the HS have to say to me about this area?

• Who are the major masters or would-be-masters in my life?

• Am I sure enough about what God wants me to do that I can recognise and resist when “masters” want something contrary?If not, what can I do to be more sure about what God wants?

• Does the HS want me to reduce or end their mastery in my life?In what way?

• Is there anything the HS wants me to do but I’m reluctant to do it because I may run into opposition from a human “master”?

Discussion Questions

• Judged disputes and administered punishment Deut 21:19, Deut 22:15, Josh 20:4

• Selected kings and advised them eg 2 Sam 3:17, 2 Sam 5:3; 1 Ki 12:6

• Guardians of Jewish traditions Mt 15:2, Mk 7:3-5

• Had a ruling and judicial function together with the chief priests Mt 16:21, Mt 26:47, Mt 26:57, Mt 27:1, Mt 27:3, Mt 27:12, Mt 27:20, Mt 28:12, Mk 11:27, Mk 14:53, Mk 15:1

(Elders in Israel)

• Never had anything positive to say about elders• Denied the validity of the “traditions of the elders” Mk 7:5-6• Said that the elders would reject and kill him Mk 8:31, which they did• Cast the “elder” brother as caring little for his younger brother in the parable

of the son who returned Lk 15:25-30

• To the elders who came to arrest him, “This is your hour, when darkness reigns” Lk 22:53

• Refused to answer their questions and accusations Mt 21:23-27, Mt 26:57-63, Mt 27:12, Mk 11:27-33, Lk 20:1-8

• Does this look like someone who respected the status and wishes of the leaders in his society?

• Did Jesus give any indication that he wanted elders exercising authority over other believers?

(Jesus on elders)

Greek lacks neuter words like “they”, “whoever”, “person” and “disciples”. Therefore masculine used when gender mixed or unknown; but this appears sexist if translated literally into English.

Words are in blue italics where the underlying Greek is masculine:

“Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants, he is my brother and sister and mother”Mt 12:50.

“You give them something to eat”Mt 14:16—though women were in the crowds.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the son will not see life, but instead God’s anger stays on him”Jn 3:36—a general teaching.

“If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if [he] repents, forgive him”Lk 17:3 —a general teaching written in the masculine for lack of a neuter.

THEREFORE wherever Jesus taught “he” or “man” or “brother”, we should assume it applies to both men and women unless there is a clear reason not to.

Greek language and gender

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Mt 23:8-12

• “All brothers” would be “all brothers and sisters” in English• Applicable to women and male-female relationships as well as to men and

male-male relationships

Jesus on Equality