👉 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Matthew 23:7. It’s a pretty dramatic statement, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about being treated unfairly and having a humbling experience. It suggests that Jesus is setting up a scene where people are being called to be “Rabbi” (which means teacher or leader) – essentially, to be recognized as important figures. But the way he’s doing it is incredibly harsh and judgmental. Let's unpack it further: “And greetings in the markets…” : Jesus is describing this as happening in a marketplace , which symbolizes a public gathering. It's not a private moment; it’s a scene open to everyone. “…and to be called of men…” : This means Jesus is inviting people – likely onlookers – to come forward and be recognized as important figures. He wants their attention, their validation. “Rabbi, Rabbi.” : This is the key part! "Rabbi" translates roughly to “teacher” or “leader.” Jesus is saying that he’s calling these people to be called leaders . This implies a lot of pressure and expectation – they're being asked to be seen as important. What it’s not about: It's not about genuine respect or admiration. It’s about Jesus’s judgment and his perspective on the situation. He’s pointing out that people are being treated like servants, seeking recognition rather than true connection. Overall Interpretation: The verse is a warning about hypocrisy and the dangers of being overly focused on outward appearances and validation. It's a reminder that true worth comes from within, not from being lauded by others. It’s a call for humility and recognizing our own shortcomings. In short, it’s a dramatic scene depicting Jesus setting up a situation where people are being called to be recognized as leaders – a challenging and potentially harsh experience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Talk about what it might mean for us today?
