# Overview Matthew Chapter 18 begins with a discourse on the nature of greatness in the kingdom of #heaven. The #disciples question [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] about who is the greatest, prompting Jesus to call a child to him, illustrating that humility akin to that of a child is essential for entry into the kingdom. Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving and caring for such little ones, stating that causing them to stumble is a grave offense. Here, the kingdom of heaven is depicted as an upside-down kingdom where the lowliest and most humble are exalted, reflecting the values of humility and service. Furthermore, Jesus warns against temptations and the seriousness of sin, urging the disciples to take severe measures to avoid sin, using hyperbolic language about cutting off limbs if they cause one to sin. This underscores the radical commitment required to live according to kingdom principles. The chapter continues with the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating God's relentless pursuit and care for each individual. Jesus explains that just as a shepherd rejoices over one lost sheep found, so too does God rejoice over one sinner who repents, emphasizing the value of each person. This parable transitions into teaching on church discipline and reconciliation, where Jesus provides a procedure for addressing sin among believers: going to the person privately, then with witnesses, and finally involving the church if necessary. This process aims for restoration and forgiveness, reflecting God's heart for reconciliation. Jesus concludes with the parable of the unforgiving servant, teaching about the necessity of forgiveness among believers. He emphasizes that just as God has forgiven us, we must forgive others, highlighting the boundless grace required in the Christian community. ## Theological Insights Matthew 18 provides profound insights into the nature of the #KingdomOfHeaven and the attitudes and behaviors expected of its citizens. The chapter begins with Jesus addressing the disciples' inquiry about greatness in the kingdom, emphasizing the necessity of humility and childlike faith. Jesus states, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3), which highlights the values of humility, dependence, and trust. One of the central themes in this chapter is the importance of humility and the care for the "little ones" or the vulnerable members of the community. Jesus' teaching about the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) illustrates God's desire for none of the little ones to perish, reflecting God's compassion and the rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, paralleling the parable of the lost sheep in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 15]]. The chapter also addresses the serious nature of sin and the need for radical measures to avoid it, suggesting that anything causing one to sin should be removed (Matthew 18:8-9), echoing Jesus' earlier teachings in the Sermon on the Mount in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]]. This underscores the holiness and righteousness expected in the Kingdom of Heaven. Moreover, Matthew 18 introduces the principle of reconciliation and discipline within the community of believers. The process outlined for addressing sin among believers (Matthew 18:15-17) emphasizes restoration and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of God towards forgiveness and redemption. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on forgiveness, culminating in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35), which illustrates the boundless mercy of God and the expectation for believers to extend the same forgiveness to others. The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of the necessity of forgiveness, as Jesus responds to Peter's question about how often one should forgive by saying "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22), reflecting the immeasurable grace of God. This teaching on forgiveness is foundational to Christian ethics and reflects the character of God as gracious and merciful, as seen throughout the Scriptures, including in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 34]] and [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 103]]. Overall, Matthew 18 serves as a guide for community life among believers, emphasizing humility, care for the vulnerable, the seriousness of sin, the importance of reconciliation, and the necessity of forgiveness. These teachings reflect the transformative power of the Gospel and the nature of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. ## Thematic Connections ### Humility and Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 18 emphasizes the theme of humility as a prerequisite for greatness in the #KingdomOfHeaven. Jesus uses the example of a child to illustrate the necessity of humility, paralleling the teaching in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5:3]], where the poor in spirit are blessed. This theme is further echoed in [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2|Philippians 2:5-8]], where Christ’s humility is highlighted as an example for believers. ### The Value of the Lost and God's Pursuit The parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18 underscores God’s desire to seek and save the lost, reflecting God’s heart for redemption as seen in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 15|Luke 15:3-7]] and the story of the prodigal son in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 15|Luke 15:11-32]]. This theme shows the immense value God places on every individual and His joy in their repentance and return. ### Forgiveness and Reconciliation Matthew 18 introduces a significant teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation among believers, illustrated by the parable of the unforgiving servant. This theme resonates with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6|Matthew 6:14-15]] and Paul's exhortation in [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 3|Colossians 3:13]]. It underscores the importance of forgiving others as a reflection of the forgiveness we receive from God. ### The Authority of the Church in Disciplinary Matters The passage discusses the authority given to the church for resolving conflicts and exercising discipline. This is connected to the earlier teaching in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 16|Matthew 16:18-19]] regarding the binding and loosing authority of the church. This theme underscores the responsibility of the church community to uphold accountability and maintain purity within the body of believers. ### The Reality and Seriousness of Sin Jesus’ warning about causing others to sin and dealing drastically with personal sin reflects the seriousness with which sin is viewed in the #Bible. This theme resonates with the teachings found in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 6|Romans 6:23]] and [[James/James Chapter 1|James 1:14-15]], which speak to the destructive nature of sin and the importance of righteousness. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 18 presents teachings of Jesus that align with prophecies about the establishment and nature of the #KingdomofHeaven. The chapter emphasizes humility, forgiveness, and caring for the lost, echoing themes found in the Old Testament. Prophecies such as those in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 11|Isaiah 11:6-9]] speak of a peaceful kingdom where harmony reigns, led by a righteous ruler. Jesus' teachings about becoming like children to enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:3) reflect the prophetic vision of a kingdom characterized by innocence and trust, fulfilling the anticipation of a new, divine rule. ### The Shepherd and the Lost Sheep In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus speaks of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. This imagery fulfills the prophetic theme seen in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 34|Ezekiel 34:11-16]], where God promises to seek out His scattered sheep and care for them. Jesus embodies this divine shepherd, fulfilling the prophecy of God's personal intervention to gather and protect His people. This parable not only affirms Jesus as the Good Shepherd but also aligns with the broader prophetic narrative of God's commitment to restore His flock. ### The Role of Forgiveness The call to forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-35 echoes the prophetic declarations of God's merciful nature, as seen in passages like [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 103|Psalm 103:8-12]], which speak of God's forgiveness and removal of transgressions. Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant underscores the prophetic fulfillment of God’s desire for His people to reflect His character of mercy and grace. This teaching fulfills the anticipation of a community shaped by divine forgiveness, as prophesied throughout the scriptures, emphasizing the transformative power of God's kingdom. ## Verses - **Matthew 18:1** - "About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?'" - **Matthew 18:2** - "Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them." - **Matthew 18:3** - "Then he said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.'" - **Matthew 18:4** - "So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." - **Matthew 18:5** - "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." - **Matthew 18:6** - "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea." - **Matthew 18:7** - "What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting." - **Matthew 18:8** - "So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet." - **Matthew 18:9** - "And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." - **Matthew 18:10** - "Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father." - **Matthew 18:11** - "[For the Son of Man came to save those who are lost.]" - **Matthew 18:12** - "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?" - **Matthew 18:13** - "And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!" - **Matthew 18:14** - "In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish." - **Matthew 18:15** - "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back." - **Matthew 18:16** - "But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses." - **Matthew 18:17** - "If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector." - **Matthew 18:18** - "I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven." - **Matthew 18:19** - "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you." - **Matthew 18:20** - "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." - **Matthew 18:21** - "Then Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?'" - **Matthew 18:22** - "No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven!'" - **Matthew 18:23** - "Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him." - **Matthew 18:24** - "In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars." - **Matthew 18:25** - "He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt." - **Matthew 18:26** - "But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’" - **Matthew 18:27** - "Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt." - **Matthew 18:28** - "But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment." - **Matthew 18:29** - "His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it,' he pleaded." - **Matthew 18:30** - "But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full." - **Matthew 18:31** - "When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened." - **Matthew 18:32** - "Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.'" - **Matthew 18:33** - "'Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?'" - **Matthew 18:34** - "Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt." - **Matthew 18:35** - "That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **The Kingdom of Heaven** - [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 13]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 25]] - **Little Children** - [[Mark/Mark Chapter 10]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 18]] - **Forgiveness** - [[Luke/Luke Chapter 17]], [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4]] - **Lost Sheep** - [[Luke/Luke Chapter 15]] - **Church Discipline** - [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 5]], [[2 Thessalonians/2 Thessalonians Chapter 3]] - **Presence of Jesus** - [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]] - **Forgiveness Parable** - [[Luke/Luke Chapter 7]]