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Matthew 23:11
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant--This plainly means, "shall show that he is so by becoming your servant"; as in Mat 20:27, compared with Mar 10:44.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And whosoever shall exalt himself,.... Above his fellow Christians, or fellow ministers, by entertaining too high an opinion of himself, by boasting of his gifts, as preferable to others, and as if he had not received them; by assuming, or eagerly coveting titles of honour among men, or by affecting honour that do not belong to him, or, abusing what he has: "shall be abased"; or humbled by God, or men, or both; such shall lose the honour they have, and come greatly short of what they are ambitious of; they shall fall into disgrace with men, and are abominable in the sight of God: "and he that shall humble himself"; by entertaining low thoughts, and a mean opinion of himself, behaving modestly among men; not being elated with his gifts, but acknowledging that they are owing to the grace and goodness of God; and using them in an humble manner, for, the advantage of others; not coveting honour from men, nor lifted up with what is conferred on him: "shall be exalted"; by God, or men, or both; if not in this world, yet in the world to come: and indeed, generally speaking, such modest, humble, persons, are most esteemed among men; and God gives more grace unto them, and will at last give them glory. This is a saying, often used by our Lord on different accounts, both with respect to his disciples, for their instruction, and with regard to the scribes and Pharisees, for their mortification; see Luk 14:11. It seems to be a proverbial expression, and much in use among the Jews: it is said in so many words in the Talmud (u), as here; "whosoever shall humble himself, the holy blessed God shall exalt him; and whosoever shall exalt himself, the holy blessed God shall humble him.'' (u) T. Bab. Erubin, fol. 13. 2. & 54. 1. & Nedarim, fol. 55. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:11-12 Jesus’ disciples should lead by serving, in stark contrast to Israel’s religious leaders (who are described in 23:5-7).
Matthew 23:11
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.11The greatest among you shall be your servant.12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Preacher Jesus Need for the Ministry
By Alan Redpath4.5K1:18:17MinistryMAT 23:11ACT 13:44In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dwelling with the king for his work rather than dwelling with the work for the king. He encourages listeners to rely on the sufficiency of Jesus in their daily lives. The speaker also emphasizes the need to take care of one's body, including practicing self-discipline in areas such as eating and exercise. Additionally, the sermon highlights the importance of having a message that is adequate and attractive, rooted in the glory of God, and a total warfare against sin. The speaker also provides simple tests to determine if one is sure of God's calling in their life, such as evidence of fruit from their testimony and a growing love for the Lord Jesus.
Don't Despise the Day of Small Endings
By Carter Conlon2.1K50:23Gods WillDAN 6:22ZEC 4:6ZEC 4:9MAT 23:11ACT 2:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter 4 and encourages the audience to find strength and courage in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming condemnation and misunderstanding in the body of Christ. The speaker highlights the journey of building a life and compares it to the original temple, reminding the audience not to despise small beginnings. He concludes by referencing the historical precedent of Zerubbabel and how it serves as a type for individuals who have been redeemed by Christ and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
(The Spiritual Man) the Law of Blessings
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:07:56BlessingsDEU 28:1PSA 127:3PRO 3:9MAL 3:10MAT 6:33MAT 23:11ROM 12:1In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the concept of the law of blessings in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of putting one's will into following God's laws and commands. He encourages the young people listening to visualize the blessings described in Deuteronomy chapter 28 and to meditate on them. Brother Denny also highlights the significance of obedience and taking quiet time each day to connect with God. He concludes by emphasizing the wisdom and fulfillment found in winning souls for Christ.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Exhortation and Explanation
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:01:46ExhortationMAT 21:22MAT 23:11LUK 18:11PE 1:221PE 2:171PE 3:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity and compassion among believers. He refers to the events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to bless those who do evil to them, using the example of Paul and Silas being mistreated in Philippi. He then references 1 Peter 3:8-9, which encourages believers to be of one mind, love one another, and not repay evil with evil, but instead bless others. The sermon concludes with the reminder that by following these principles, believers will inherit a blessing.
Missions Conference 2012
By Carter Conlon6491:14:45MissionsMAT 20:25MAT 23:11The video shown during the sermon was about a SYP (presumably a youth group) and their experience with the presence of the Lord. The speaker mentioned that they started with nine disgruntled kids, but through prayer and seeking the Lord, their hearts were stirred. They invited Pastor Carter to speak to the young people, and as he was about to start, the presence of the Lord came into the room and baptized the kids in the Holy Spirit. This encounter transformed the youth, and they ended up ministering five times at a retreat and continued to be impacted when they returned to their youth group.
In the Shadow of the Cross - Love Stooped to Serve
By J. Glyn Owen4231:00:41LoveMAT 23:11JHN 13:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in John 13:2-8 where Jesus washes his disciples' feet. The preacher describes the physical actions of Jesus, emphasizing the humility and love displayed in this act. The sermon also highlights the awareness and consciousness of Jesus as he performs this task. The preacher introduces a series on John chapters 13 to 17, which took place less than 30 hours before Jesus' crucifixion, and emphasizes the significance of these teachings in the shadow of the cross.
Jesus' Invitation for All to Be Great in His Kingdom, Part 2
By Mike Bickle141:11:17Obedience to God's CommandsGreatness in God's KingdomMAT 5:19MAT 23:11Mike Bickle emphasizes Jesus' invitation for everyone to pursue greatness in His kingdom, highlighting that this desire is part of our spiritual DNA. He explains that true greatness is not about worldly recognition but about obedience to God's commandments and living according to the Sermon on the Mount. Bickle encourages believers to actively seek this greatness, which will be fully realized in the age to come, rather than in the present. He warns against the passive attitudes that neglect this divine invitation and stresses the importance of teaching and influencing others in their spiritual journeys. Ultimately, he calls for a radical commitment to living out God's commands as a pathway to true greatness in His sight.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
True Greatness
By E.A. Adeboye0GEN 12:2MAT 20:26MAT 23:11PHP 2:3HEB 6:10JAS 4:10E.A. Adeboye preaches on the concept of greatness according to God's standards, emphasizing that true greatness comes from serving others and seeking promotion from God rather than through self-seeking and manipulation. He highlights God's unique way of choosing individuals for greatness, often contrary to human expectations, and the importance of humility and service in God's Kingdom. Adeboye encourages believers to invest in spreading the Gospel, living righteously, and obeying God wholeheartedly to achieve true greatness.
And All the Earth Shall Own Him Lord
By John Piper0PSA 138:6ISA 57:15MAT 16:18MAT 23:11ACT 2:36ROM 8:17PHP 2:9COL 2:15HEB 2:141JN 3:8John Piper preaches on the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross, leading to His ultimate exaltation above every name. The sermon highlights the power of self-denial and obedience in the life of a believer, drawing examples from missionaries like Hudson Taylor who understood the concept of suffering with Christ. It explores the significance of Jesus receiving the name of Lord and Christ after His resurrection, signifying His victory over sin, Satan, and death, and the ultimate triumph of the Church at the end of the age.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant--This plainly means, "shall show that he is so by becoming your servant"; as in Mat 20:27, compared with Mar 10:44.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And whosoever shall exalt himself,.... Above his fellow Christians, or fellow ministers, by entertaining too high an opinion of himself, by boasting of his gifts, as preferable to others, and as if he had not received them; by assuming, or eagerly coveting titles of honour among men, or by affecting honour that do not belong to him, or, abusing what he has: "shall be abased"; or humbled by God, or men, or both; such shall lose the honour they have, and come greatly short of what they are ambitious of; they shall fall into disgrace with men, and are abominable in the sight of God: "and he that shall humble himself"; by entertaining low thoughts, and a mean opinion of himself, behaving modestly among men; not being elated with his gifts, but acknowledging that they are owing to the grace and goodness of God; and using them in an humble manner, for, the advantage of others; not coveting honour from men, nor lifted up with what is conferred on him: "shall be exalted"; by God, or men, or both; if not in this world, yet in the world to come: and indeed, generally speaking, such modest, humble, persons, are most esteemed among men; and God gives more grace unto them, and will at last give them glory. This is a saying, often used by our Lord on different accounts, both with respect to his disciples, for their instruction, and with regard to the scribes and Pharisees, for their mortification; see Luk 14:11. It seems to be a proverbial expression, and much in use among the Jews: it is said in so many words in the Talmud (u), as here; "whosoever shall humble himself, the holy blessed God shall exalt him; and whosoever shall exalt himself, the holy blessed God shall humble him.'' (u) T. Bab. Erubin, fol. 13. 2. & 54. 1. & Nedarim, fol. 55. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:11-12 Jesus’ disciples should lead by serving, in stark contrast to Israel’s religious leaders (who are described in 23:5-7).