1. Greatness in the Kingdom (Verses 1-4)
The chapter opens with the disciples asking Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. In response, Jesus calls a child to Him, highlighting the importance of humility and childlike faith. He teaches that greatness in the Kingdom is not defined by status or power, but by taking a lowly position, emphasizing that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:1
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'"
The disciples are concerned about status and greatness within the Kingdom of Heaven, reflecting a common human inclination to seek recognition and hierarchy.
Matthew 18:2
"He called a little child to him and placed the child among them."
Jesus uses a child as a visual aid to teach a profound lesson. The child symbolizes humility, innocence, and dependence, which are essential qualities for those who wish to enter the Kingdom.
Matthew 18:3
"And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
Jesus highlights that to enter the Kingdom, one must possess humility and childlike faith. This notion challenges the disciples' perception of greatness, suggesting that true spiritual maturity is characterized by simplicity and trust.
Matthew 18:4
"Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Greatness in the Kingdom is redefined as humility and servanthood. Those who adopt a lowly position, like the child, will be exalted in God’s eyes.
2. The Value of the Vulnerable (Verses 5-10)
Jesus teaches that welcoming and valuing the humble and vulnerable (symbolized by the child) is akin to welcoming Him. He warns against causing anyone, especially “little ones” (those who believe in Him), to stumble or sin, emphasizing the seriousness of leading others astray. This section reinforces the idea that God cares deeply for the vulnerable and that believers have a responsibility to protect them.
5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
6 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
8 If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.
9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.
10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 18:5
"And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
Jesus highlights the importance of accepting and valuing those who are humble or vulnerable, indicating that acts of kindness toward them are acts of service to Him.
Matthew 18:6
"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Jesus warns against causing harm or leading others, especially the vulnerable (like children or new believers), into sin. The severe imagery underscores the seriousness of such actions.
Matthew 18:7
"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!"
Jesus acknowledges that stumbling blocks will exist in the world but emphasizes the grave responsibility of those who create them. This serves as a warning against leading others astray.
3. The Consequences of Sin (Verses 8-9)
Jesus uses strong metaphors to convey the seriousness of sin, advising that if a hand or eye causes one to stumble, it should be removed. This radical teaching emphasizes the importance of addressing sin in one’s life and prioritizing spiritual well-being over physical comfort.
Matthew 18:8
"If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire."
This strong metaphor illustrates the seriousness of sin. Jesus teaches that it is better to sacrifice something valuable than to risk spiritual destruction, emphasizing the urgency of dealing with sin in one's life.
Matthew 18:9
"And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell."
Similar to the previous verse, Jesus stresses the importance of taking radical action against anything that leads to sin. This metaphor reinforces the idea of prioritizing spiritual health over physical well-being.
Matthew 18:10
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."
Jesus emphasizes the value of each believer, particularly the vulnerable, stating that they have angels who watch over them. This highlights God's care for even the least among His followers.
4. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Verses 11-14)
Jesus shares the parable of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that has gone astray. This parable illustrates God’s love and concern for each individual, emphasizing that every person is valuable and worth pursuing. It reinforces the idea that God desires all to be saved and not to perish.
11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:11
(Some manuscripts include this verse): "For the Son of Man came to save the lost."
This verse encapsulates Jesus’ mission, indicating that He came to seek and save those who are spiritually lost, reinforcing His commitment to the vulnerable.
Matthew 18:12
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?"
Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate God’s love for each individual. The shepherd’s willingness to seek the lost sheep emphasizes the importance of every person in God’s eyes.
Matthew 18:13
"And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off."
The joy of finding the lost sheep reflects the immense value God places on each individual. This parable illustrates God’s grace and redemption.
Matthew 18:14
"In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."
Jesus affirms that God desires all to be saved and not to lose anyone. This underscores the depth of God’s love and His desire for reconciliation.
5. Church Discipline and Restoration (Verses 15-17)
Jesus provides practical guidance for dealing with sin within the community. If a brother or sister sins, the process begins with private confrontation. If they do not listen, the matter is escalated to involve others, and finally, to the church. This process emphasizes the importance of accountability, restoration, and maintaining the health of the community.
15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Matthew 18:15
"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."
Jesus provides practical guidance for addressing sin within the community. The emphasis is on private correction aimed at restoration rather than public shaming.
Matthew 18:16
"But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'"
If the individual does not respond to private correction, involving others ensures that the issue is addressed fairly and with accountability, reflecting principles found in Jewish law.
Matthew 18:17
"If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
If the person remains unrepentant, bringing the matter before the church signifies the seriousness of the sin. Treating them as outsiders indicates a boundary, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the community.
6. Authority in the Church (Verses 18-20)
Jesus grants authority to the church regarding binding and loosing, signifying the role of the community in making moral and spiritual decisions. He assures that when believers gather in His name, He is present with them, emphasizing the significance of community and shared faith.
18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:18
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Jesus grants authority to the church in matters of discipline and forgiveness. Binding and loosing reflect the church’s role in determining moral and spiritual matters, with divine backing.
Matthew 18:19
"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."
This verse highlights the power of corporate prayer and agreement among believers. Jesus emphasizes that God is attentive to the collective prayers of His followers.
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Jesus assures His presence among those who gather in His name, emphasizing the significance of community and fellowship in the life of believers.
7. The Call to Forgiveness (Verses 21-22)
Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting seven times. Jesus responds with “seventy-seven times,” indicating that forgiveness should be limitless. This teaching challenges the notion of setting boundaries on forgiveness and emphasizes the importance of a forgiving heart.
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven
Matthew 18:21
"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?'"
Peter raises a question about forgiveness, suggesting a limit (seven times) that he thinks is generous, reflecting a common understanding of forgiveness limits.
Matthew 18:22
"Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times!'"
Jesus responds with a number that signifies boundless forgiveness. This teaching challenges the notion of limits on forgiveness and emphasizes the necessity of a forgiving heart.
8. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Verses 23-35)
Jesus tells a parable about a king who forgives a servant’s enormous debt. However, that same servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant’s much smaller debt. The king, upon learning of this, revokes his forgiveness and punishes the unforgiving servant. This parable underscores the expectation that those who receive mercy must also extend it to others, illustrating the gravity of withholding forgiveness.
23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'
27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!'
29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'
30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done.
32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?'
34 And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."
Matthew 18:23
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants."
Jesus begins a parable illustrating the nature of forgiveness in the Kingdom of Heaven, comparing it to a king settling debts with his servants.
Matthew 18:24
"As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him."
The enormous debt symbolizes the insurmountable debt of sin that humanity owes to God. The sum is intentionally exaggerated to highlight the gravity of the situation.
Matthew 18:25
"Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt."
The master’s decision to sell the servant and his family reflects the harsh realities of debt and the consequences of failure to repay. This illustrates the seriousness of sin and its repercussions.
Matthew 18:26
"At this, the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'"
The servant pleads for mercy, recognizing his inability to repay the debt. This moment signifies repentance and the desperation of those seeking forgiveness.
Matthew 18:27
"The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go."
The master’s compassion and willingness to forgive the debt illustrate God’s grace and mercy toward sinners. This act of forgiveness is profound and undeserved.
Matthew 18:28
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded."
The forgiven servant fails to extend the same mercy he received. His harsh treatment of a fellow servant highlights the inconsistency in his character and the failure to recognize the grace he was shown.
Matthew 18:29
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.'"
The fellow servant mirrors the original servant’s plea, emphasizing the theme of mercy and forgiveness. However, the forgiven servant shows no compassion.
Matthew 18:30
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt."
The refusal to forgive and the harsh punishment illustrate the contrast between the master’s mercy and the servant’s lack of compassion. This serves as a warning against hypocrisy in the practice of forgiveness.
Matthew 18:31
"When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened."
Witnesses to the injustice report the incident to the master, highlighting the moral outrage at the forgiven servant's actions and the expectation of consistent behavior among those who have received grace.
Matthew 18:32
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.'"
The master confronts the servant, reminding him of the mercy he received. This serves as a sobering reminder of the expectations that come with forgiveness.
Matthew 18:33
"Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?"
The master’s question emphasizes the expectation of extending the same mercy to others that he received. It reflects God’s desire for His followers to embody forgiveness.
Matthew 18:34
"In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed."
The servant faces consequences for his lack of mercy, illustrating that failure to forgive can lead to severe repercussions. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of withholding forgiveness.
Matthew 18:35
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
Jesus concludes the parable with a strong statement about the necessity of genuine forgiveness. The emphasis on forgiveness from the heart indicates that true forgiveness must be sincere and not merely a formality.
Summary
Matthew chapter 18 addresses critical themes of humility, forgiveness, and community within the Church. Jesus teaches that greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is marked by humility, the importance of caring for others, and the necessity of forgiveness. The chapter culminates in the parable of the unforgiving servant, illustrating the profound responsibility of those who have received grace to extend it to others. Overall, it emphasizes the values that should govern the relationships among believers in the Christian community.
Themes and Messages:
-Humility: Greatness in the Kingdom is defined by humility and servanthood, as exemplified by a child.
- Forgiveness: The necessity of limitless forgiveness is a central teaching, highlighting the importance of mercy in relationships.
- Community and Accountability: Believers are called to support one another, address sin, and restore relationships within the church.
- Value of Each Individual: God’s love for each person is emphasized, illustrated by the parable of the lost sheep.
- Seriousness of Sin: Jesus teaches that sin must be taken seriously and addressed promptly to maintain spiritual health.
Conclusion
Overall, Matthew chapter 18 provides profound insights into the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing themes of humility, forgiveness, community, and the responsibility of believers to care for one another. It presents practical guidance for navigating relationships within the Church and underscores the transformative power of grace and mercy.
