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for you have one Instructor
The term "Instructor" here is significant, as it denotes a singular source of ultimate truth and guidance. In the broader biblical context, this reflects the monotheistic belief in one God who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. This statement also serves as a reminder that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone, as seen inProverbs 2:6, which states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

the Christ
This phrase identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one sent by God to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. The title "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "anointed one." Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, such as those found inIsaiah 53 andPsalm 22. By asserting that He is the one true Instructor, Jesus claims His divine authority and role as the ultimate teacher and guide for His followers. This declaration also underscores the unique relationship between Jesus and His disciples, as He is not merely a teacher among many but the singular source of spiritual truth and salvation.

“Nor are you to be called instructors” (Matthew 23:10) reminds Jesus’ disciples to resist seeking elevated titles that imply spiritual superiority.

• Earlier, He had already warned, “Do not be called ‘Rabbi’” (Matthew 23:8), guarding against prideful ambition.

• James echoes this caution: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1).

• Paul models the right attitude—“What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants through whom you believed” (1 Corinthians 3:5–7).

The point: positions of influence must never become platforms for self-exaltation.

Jesus centers authority in Himself alone.

• “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things” (John 14:26) shows how Christ continues His instruction through the Spirit.

• “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God’” (John 6:45; cf.Jeremiah 31:33–34).

• When He ascended, He “gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11–12), but these roles function only as channels, never replacing the ultimate Instructor.

The lesson: every human teacher must point beyond himself to the voice of Christ.

Calling Jesus “the Christ” underlines His divine commission and sufficiency.

• Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), acknowledging Him as the anointed, authoritative Teacher.

• “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am” (John 13:13).

• By identifying Himself as the sole Instructor, Jesus sets the pattern for humble dependence: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Therefore, any title we accept or give must submit to the supremacy of Christ.

Matthew 23:10 directs believers away from prideful titles and toward wholehearted reliance on Jesus, the only true Instructor. While the church needs gifted teachers, their role is always secondary, serving the body by pointing everyone to Christ’s authoritative word.