Jesus was careful to recognize that certain people were appointed to lead and direct others. But at times those leaders were at fault because of their pride, vanity, and bad example. Therefore, Jesus says the people should not imitate them.
We see Jesus pointing out the faults of the scribes and Pharisees. They were quick to put heavy burdens on ordinary people and give them no help (or good example) on fulfilling those burdens. For example, they have made fasting a basis for holiness when the people could never match the Pharisees' twice weekly fasts. Also, some of the Pharisees paraded around, seeking to be noticed, and to receive praise and adulation for how great they were in their religious observances. They placed themselves on a higher level then the ordinary folks they were called to serve.
Jesus was the opposite. Jesus was humble and urging humility in his followers. Too many leaders loved titles and honor, causing them to consider themselves better than anyone else.
In the end, Jesus insisted that the one who is great must be servant just as Jesus was. He was the Son of God, and yet He was a foot washer. The greatest virtue of a leader with authority is humility. We recall Pope Francis' many addresses to his own cardinals and bishops, the pastors of the people, urging them to be true shepherds and avoid acting as though they are anything other than servants and shepherds.
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