Matthew 23:11-12

[11] But servant. [12] And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

What is the context of Matthew 23:11-12?

A Warning Against Hypocrisy .( A .) .( B .) (Matthew 23:1-12 true)
Pharisaism Exposed (Matthew 23:1-12 true)
Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders (Matthew 23:1-36 true)
Seven Woes Pronounced on the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36 true)
Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36 true)
Religious Hypocrites Denounced (Matthew 23:1-36 true)
Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36 true)
Jesus Denounces the Scribes and the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36 true)

What does Matthew 23:11-12 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In concluding these warnings Jesus returned to the subject of humility that He had stressed with His disciples earlier (cf. Matthew 18:4; Matthew 20:20-28). Jesus taught His disciples to be servants of others, not lords over them.

"Leadership positions should never be a goal in and of themselves, but should always be viewed as opportunities to serve others." ^[1]

The reversal of fortunes that Jesus predicted here will happen when the kingdom begins. Jesus Himself was the greatest example of what He taught here (cf. Matthew 20:26-28; Philippians 2:5-11).