Getting Along As We Travel Along

Getting Along As We Travel Along- Matthew 18

In this chapter we have the disciples walking with Jesus. A conversation is happening. As often happens the topic gets a bit edgy.

Matthew 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 “Whoever receives one such child 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 to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Focus: what we want to for ourselves vs. what others need from us.

Humanly we want to be great, but what others need is a servant. This serving has a disposition as a child. “unless you turn and become like children” in verse 3. The admonition is to change your attitude and focus.

The next topic came up, yet it connects to the first: Temptations that come from one anther. 1. We live in the domain of temptations. 2. be mindful not to have such come through us.

what we want to for ourselves vs. what others need from us. Here: we want our way, but they need our sensitivity that it may tempt another to do evil. BEWARE.

Topic of Forgiveness: A parable and a lesson.

Vs. 10. do not despise one of these little ones. v. 14. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

We are back to the disposition of being children.

The parable reveals the Father’s heart on the issue of a lesser believer being tempted to leave the fold.

ALL OF THESE TOPICS RELATE TO THE CONVERSATION. They are all connected to the concept of GREATNESS and the responsibility that comes with being such.

When a brother sins against you. v.15-20; with a parable.

It is a brother of the faith.

It is to be based on truth

There is to be openness to reconnect the relationship.

The 2 “if’s that are possible.

Here is the authority of the apostles and mature believers. “whatever you bind on earth....” based on the 2-3 witness as truth, thus Jesus says he is there as the judge of truth. “I am the way the Truth and the life...” It is a statement not only so much as a presence but as the “greatest” being representative of Christ himself on how they are dealing with the sinning brother. If the brother repents, do as Jesus would do. If he refuses to follow the admonitions and teaching of Christ, do as Jesus would do. Let him go. (V.17, And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.)

For how long? As long as he wants to be away from the faith. This time issue is what was on Peter’s mind in the next section: Lord, how often will my brother sin against me and I forgive him?

18:22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. (on going)

35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart. (from the parable)

This has been often overlooked. Again this is in the context of the conversation of being the greatest and what this means. Being great in the Kingdom is not a bad thing. It was the disposition that was the issue. The disciples are to be great in the Kingdom with a Humble disposition. Being like Jesus.

Here— do not hold grudges or sins against them if they come for forgiveness.

Summary: 1. Hear the entire conversation. 2. Being great in the Kingdom is not a bad thing. (Paul said it is okay to desire the noble task of overseer, 1 Tim. 3:1 Deacons- dignified, 3.8). 3. The disciples/apostles will be judges over the 12 tribes because of their duties on earth being done well. 4. The Kingdom needs leaders, those who will lead great endeavors, but lead with the disposition and humility of a child.