[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 18
Bible Verses
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:3-5)
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ (Matthew 18:32-33)
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35)
THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (vs. 1-9)
Jesus used a child as an illustration of greatness. A child is teachable, simple, having expectant attitude and dependent on his father to meet his needs. Jesus told us to humble ourselves like a child in order to become the great in the kingdom of heaven. When He says these “little ones”, he means not only children but it includes the children of God who are God’s “little children”. He warns us not to cause another believer to stumble. When he commanded us to “cut off” the member of our body – hands, feet, eyes – he is teaching us to deal with sin. We must not play with sin but rather face it, confess it and forsake it.
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP (vs. 10-14)
This parable teaches us not to despise children (v. 10) or allow them to perish without Christ (v. 14). He considers children important because they are the examples of true greatness (v. 4). They represent Christ (v. 5), the angels represent them before the Father (v. 10) and the Father wants them to be saved (v. 14).
A BROTHER WHO SINS AGAINST YOU (vs. 15-19)
Here is a pattern of church discipline being cited. Frist, show the brother his fault. If he listens, the misunderstanding is settled. If not, take two or three witnesses and take it to the church. If he resues to listen to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector. (v. 17)
The binding and losing in verse 18 applies to the Word of God in matters of discipline. It has nothing to do with the eternal destiny of a soul. God wants us to pray for the offender and for ourselves to bring about reconciliation.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT (vs. 21-35)
Peter thought that forgiving seven times was enough since the Jewish rabbis require only three times. But Jesus put no limit on forgiveness. True forgiveness comes from love and love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:5)
This parable teaches forgiveness. We forgive others because Christ has forgiven us.
APPLICATION:
- Jesus wants us to be humble like little children so that we can become great in the kingdom of heaven.
- Jesus wants us to treat children in faith with humility.
- Jesus warns us not to cause another believer to stumble
- Jesus commissions us to search for lost sinners and bring them to Him.
- Jesus teaches us lessons on forgiveness. We are to forgive without limit so that God will also forgive us.
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