Why Are Priests Called "Father"?

1. Understanding Jesus’ Words in Context
In Matthew 23:9, Jesus says, "And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." At first glance, it seems like Jesus forbids calling anyone “father” in a religious or spiritual sense. But to truly understand this, we need to look at the broader context.

In this chapter, Jesus was addressing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and religious leaders who craved titles, honor, and recognition rather than focusing on humbly serving God and others. He criticized them for using titles like "Rabbi" or "Father" to elevate their status above others, turning their leadership into a source of pride and control.

This teaching was not about banning words like "father" but about rejecting the misuse of authority and self-glorification.

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2. What Does “Father” Represent?
The term father has been used throughout the Bible to describe spiritual leaders and those who guide others in faith:

• Abraham is called the father of faith (Romans 4:11-16).
• Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthians: "I became your father through the gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15).
• Even the Ten Commandments teach us to "Honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12), showing that the title "father" carries respect and care.

This shows that the term father isn’t forbidden in all contexts but instead depends on its purpose. When priests are called "Father," it is not about elevating them above God but acknowledging their role as spiritual caregivers and mentors who guide us in faith, much like a parent does.

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3. The Role of Priests
A priest’s role is to nurture and guide the spiritual lives of their community, much like a father nurtures his children. Calling them "Father" reflects their responsibility to:

• Lead with love, wisdom, and humility.
• Teach and nourish faith.
• Serve as a reminder of God’s ultimate fatherhood.

However, this does not mean they replace God as our Heavenly Father. Instead, they act as earthly shepherds leading us closer to Him.

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Explaining to Children with a Metaphor

Imagine a tree. God is the root of the tree—He gives life to everything and is the ultimate source of strength and nourishment. Priests are like the branches of the tree. They carry the fruits (teachings, guidance, and care) to the rest of the tree, helping it grow. But they cannot exist without the root, just as priests are only able to serve because of God.

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Key Lessons for all

1. God is Our Ultimate Father: No one on earth can replace God, who loves us unconditionally and provides for us.
2. Titles Should Reflect Service, Not Pride: When we use titles like "Father" for priests, it’s a reminder of their duty to humbly serve and guide, not to place themselves above others.
3. Respect Authority, But Worship Only God: While we respect those who guide us in life and faith, our worship is reserved for God alone.

By understanding the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words and the role of priests, children can see that calling a priest "Father" is not about disobedience but about recognizing their role in our spiritual family.