[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 18
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of God. Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:3-5)
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20)
“Peter asked: Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to 7 times? Jesus answered: “tell you not seven times but 77 times” (Matthew 18:21-22)
THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (vs. 1-9)
Jesus illustrates a child as the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven because of his characteristics – innocent, humble, teachable and simple. He gives importance to the children because they are examples of greatness (v. 4). If we welcome children in His name, we are welcoming Christ (v. 5). Children have angels in heaven (v. 10)
The “little ones” include children of God who are believers. Jesus warns believers not to cause another believer to stumble. He is telling us to deal with sin like a surgeon deals with a cancerous tumor. It must be taken out before it spreads further. In other words, we must face our sins and confess it.
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP ( vs. 10-14)
A man has 100 sheep. If he loses one, he is willing to leave the 99 and look for the one that has wandered off. Do not offend children, look down on them or allow them to wander away leading them to know Christ. It is the will of the Father to save them.
A BROTHER WHO SINS AGAINST YOU (vs. 15-20)
Jesus is giving a pattern of church discipline. First, show him his fault, then bring two or three witnesses. Then take it to the church. In matter of discipline, the Word of God must be applied. An offending brother is “Bound” if he refused to admit his sins and change. He is being “Loosed” after he had confessed and repented. Prayer is important when administering church discipline. We should pray for the offender and for ourselves so that we have the wisdom to minister.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT (vs. 21-35)
When Peter asked Jesus should he forgive his brother seven times, His answer was not 7 times but 77 times. In other words, it is without limit. Forgiveness must come from a heart of love and love keeps no record of wrong (1 Cor. 13:5)
Jesus spoke of a parable about a servant who owed a king ten thousand talents. The king took pity on him and cancelled his debt. When the servant went out, he demanded his fellow servant who owed him 100 denarii to pay him back. His fellow servant begged for mercy but he refused and sent him to prison. When the king knew about it, he was furious and turned him over to the jailers until he could pay back all he owed.
LESSONS:
- We are to imitate the childlike characteristic of humility. We must welcome children and lead them to Christ.
- Do not cause people to sin. Confess your sins and live a holy life.
- It is the will of the Father that everyone will be saved. So, we must seek the lost.
- Church discipline is essential to keep the sanctify of the church. But it must be administered with love to gain the offender back.
- We are to forgive others as Christ forgave us.
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