Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Matthew 23:10 (BSB)
Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.” — Matthew 23:10
Imagine standing in a crowded room, filled with voices all trying to teach and guide you, but there's one voice that stands out above the rest—it's authoritative, wise, and truly knows what’s best for you. That’s what this moment is all about! Here, you’re reminded that while there may be many teachers in life, there’s only one true guide: Christ. It’s an invitation to focus on Him, to trust in His teachings, and to recognize that no human perspective can compare to His wisdom. It’s about simplifying the noise and anchoring yourself in the ultimate truth.
The Gospel of Matthew was written by—surprise!—Matthew himself, who was once a tax collector and was called by Jesus to follow Him. Matthew wanted to share the story of Jesus to show how He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and to help people see that Jesus is the true King. This detail about having one instructor reflects Matthew’s own transformation; he went from a life of profit and power to a life of following the one who represents true authority. He’s all about guiding you to understand that Jesus is the ultimate source of wisdom!
This was written in a time when the Jewish community was under Roman occupation, and the religious leaders held significant power. People were looking for hope and guidance, but often found themselves misled by those in authority. It was a time of tension, where the expectations of the leaders clashed with the needs of the people. Understanding this helps you see that Jesus was stepping into a broken system, offering a fresh perspective that centered on genuine relationship and teaching rather than hollow authority.
This verse matters today because it cuts through the noise of life, reminding you that when the world feels confusing and filled with opinions, you can turn to Christ as your instructor. It's a powerful reminder that you don’t have to rely solely on human wisdom or the opinions of others—there’s a deeper truth you can anchor yourself in. It speaks to your struggles with authority and trust, showing you that true guidance comes from a place of love and understanding, not just knowledge.
Take a moment this week to focus on what it means to have Christ as your instructor. Maybe spend some time reading through the Gospels and listen for His voice in your decisions. When faced with choices or unsure about what to do next, pause and ask, 'What would Jesus say or do in this situation?' Try to filter out the noise of others' opinions and seek His guidance through prayer or meditation on His words. Make it a habit to turn to Him first!
This verse fits into a larger scene where Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of the time, who were more focused on titles and status than on serving others. He’s calling out their hypocrisy and reminding everyone that true leadership is about humility, not authority. In the flow of the chapter, right before this moment, Jesus critiques these leaders for their pride and for leading people astray. This verse serves as a turning point, pushing the message that Christ is the true instructor we should follow, not those who seek power for themselves. It’s a moment of clarity amidst the chaos of false teachings.
How can you actively listen for Christ's guidance in your life, especially when faced with confusing choices or pressures from others?
Keep reading the full Matthew 23:10 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free