The Way - Day 250 (Matthew 18)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Matthew 18:1-14
Jesus had just predicted His death and resurrection to His disciples in Galilee. Departing from Galilee, they headed to Capernaum and on the way the disciples began arguing over who would be greatest in the kingdom (see Mark 9:33-34). So, Jesus sat down with them and gave them some instruction about the kingdom. Mark reveals that Jesus said "if anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Then, picking up on Matthew's commentary we find Jesus calling a little child to Himself and declaring that they must be "converted and become as little children" in order to enter the kingdom. In verse 4, Jesus explains that humility (as a little child is dependent on his parents) is the key to the kingdom; in other words, a person must come to God with a faith that is helpless and dependent on God. Without humility, no one will enter into God's kingdom. Jesus goes on to explain some simple principles about the relationship believers should have with other believers. Verse 5 challenges believers to receive other believers and never cause them to fall into sin as a result of our life (setting the wrong example). Jesus says that it is better to be drowned in the sea than to lead someone else into sin (18:6). The world is already seeking to lead others into sin, but the Christian should never cause someone else to stumble (18:7). Going on to use some figurative illustrations, Jesus declares that if our foot (hands or eyes) causes us to sin then we should cut it off (18:8-9). Jesus ends this particular teaching by communicating His love for all believers and His desire for all of them to follow in the ways of His Father (18:11-14). Jesus was an amazing teacher - He took the disciples from arguing about who was the greatest to discussing that humility makes a person great. Then He communicates that every person is equally important and another believer should never be setting the wrong example that may lead a fellow Christian to sin. How about you? Are you humbling yourself before God and others? Is your life leading others to follow God?

Matthew 18:15-35
Christ has just instructed the disciples on the importance of every human being and the severity of leading one of those people astray through wrong actions. Verses 12-14 pictures one hundred sheep and one wandering sheep who decides to do his own thing. Jesus relates the need to restore this sheep to the herd by any means possible. Now Jesus moves from teaching about restoration to some instructions on what to do when we are offended by someone else. In every human relationship, conflict is inevitable and Jesus wanted to make sure we didn't "write someone off" when they offend us. The Bible seems to imply a three step process in restoring a broken relationship between two human beings. First, approach the offending person privately about the matter (18:15) and if he does not listen then you should take two or three respected people to confront the offender (18:16). If he fails to repent, take the matter before the church (18:17). The goal is always to bring the offending believer back into a relationship with the other person; however, if he refuses to repent then the church should remove him so as not to influence other people with his sin (18:17b). Peter speaks up and asks how many times he should forgive someone who has offended him. Jesus responds by saying that forgiveness should have no limit (18:21-22). Jesus continues on to tell the parable of the unforgiving servant. This particular servant was forgiven by his king of a very large debt. This same servant turned around and refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller debt (18:23-30). The point is easy to understand - God has forgiven us of all our sin (large debt), so we should be willing to forgive others every time. Take some time right now to examine your relationship with others. Are there areas of unforgiveness in your life? If so, be reminded of Jesus Christ's complete forgiveness of your sin and forgive those who may have offended you.

Dear God, help me to handle my relationships with others in the right way. Enable me to forgive as You forgave me.