Imagine wanting to know who the 'big shot' is in Heaven. The disciples ask Jesus just that, but His response turns everything upside down by pointing to a child. This chapter is all about humility and forgiveness.
The Reading: Matthew 18
World English Bible1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
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2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them,
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3 and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
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4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
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5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,
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6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.
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7 “Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!
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8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.
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9 If your eye causes you to stumble, 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 the Gehenna of fire.
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10 See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
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11 For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.
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12 “What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?
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13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.
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14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
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15 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
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16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
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17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
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18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven.
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19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.
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20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
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21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?”
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22 Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.
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23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants.
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24 When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
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25 But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
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26 The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’
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27 The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
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28 “But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’
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29 “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’
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30 He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due.
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31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done.
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32 Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me.
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33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’
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34 His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him.
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35 So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Greatest in the Kingdom
When the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in Heaven, He surprises them by bringing a little child forward. He tells them that unless they become humble like children, they won't even make it into the Kingdom of Heaven. Here, Jesus flips our usual ideas about success and greatness.
Warnings Against Causing Stumbling
Jesus warns that leading children or believers astray is a grave offense. He uses strong imagery, suggesting that if someone causes a believer to stumble, it would be better for them to drown than face the consequences of their actions.
The Lost Sheep
Next, Jesus shares a parable about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that strayed. This illustrates how precious each individual is to God and how His love is relentless in seeking the lost.
Handling Conflicts
In matters of conflict, Jesus teaches a process for reconciliation. If someone sins against you, talk to them directly. If they don't listen, bring others to help resolve the issue. It's a useful method for maintaining unity and love within the community.
The Importance of Forgiveness
Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone; he suggests seven times, thinking he's being generous. But Jesus responds with 'seventy times seven,' emphasizing that forgiveness should be boundless. He then tells a story about a servant who, after being forgiven a huge debt, refuses to forgive a small one, illustrating the importance of extending grace to others in the same way we have received it from God.
Why It Matters
Embracing Humility
Matthew 18 teaches us that true greatness comes from humility. Instead of seeking power or status, we should look to the simplicity and trust of a child. It encourages us to adopt a mindset that is open and willing to learn.
The Weight of Our Actions
The chapter also warns us about the impact of our actions on others, especially the vulnerable. It's a reminder to be mindful of how we treat those around us, as our influence can either uplift or lead them astray.
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a recurring theme. Jesus's message is clear: we're called to forgive endlessly. This not only frees us from bitterness but also reflects the grace that we ourselves receive. In today's world, where grudges often linger, this lesson is particularly relevant.
Seeking Community
As we navigate our relationships, Jesus's advice to address conflicts directly reminds us that community is essential. If you're looking for a place to connect with others and explore these teachings further, you can find a church near you, where you can experience the richness of forgiveness and humility in a supportive environment.
Coming Up Next: Matthew 19
In the next part of our journey through the New Testament, Matthew 19, we'll see Jesus tackle topics like divorce and the blessings of children. Don't miss out on these profound lessons!