Matthew 18
BSB1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. 3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, 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. 10 See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ’every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 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. 19 Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them." 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! 23 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents. 25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. 26 Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him. 28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. 32 Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. 35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Study Notes — Matthew 18
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 18
- Themes from Matthew 18
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 18
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a discussion on who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, where Jesus teaches that humility is essential for greatness (Matthew 18:1-5). He then explains the importance of forgiveness, illustrating it with the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). The chapter also addresses church discipline, providing guidelines for dealing with sin within the church (Matthew 18:15-20). Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew chapter 18 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, where he is teaching his disciples about the values and principles of the kingdom of heaven. The chapter is part of a larger section of Matthew's Gospel that focuses on Jesus' teachings on community and relationships within the church. This chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, where themes of humility, forgiveness, and redemption are woven throughout the story of God's relationship with his people.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and actions, asking ourselves if we are approaching God with a humble and dependent heart. We are also challenged to extend forgiveness and mercy to those around us, just as God has forgiven us. May we strive to live out our faith in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven, prioritizing humility, forgiveness, and love.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter teaches us about the importance of being humble and forgiving, just like Jesus. We learn that true greatness is not about power or status, but about approaching God with a dependent and obedient heart. As we read this chapter, we are called to reflect on our own hearts and actions, asking ourselves if we are living out our faith in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven.
Voices from the Church
“The kingdom of heaven is not a place where the proud and the arrogant can enter, but it is a realm where the humble and the lowly are exalted.”
— John Calvin
“Forgiveness is not just a feeling, but a choice to extend mercy and pardon to those who have wronged us. It is a reflection of God's own character and a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Importance of Humility (Matthew 18:1-5) — Jesus teaches that humility is essential for greatness in the kingdom of heaven, illustrating it with the example of a child.
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) — Jesus teaches that God's love and care for his people are like a shepherd's love for his sheep, emphasizing the importance of seeking out and restoring those who are lost.
- Guidelines for Church Discipline (Matthew 18:15-20) — Jesus provides guidelines for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of confronting and correcting sin in a loving and redemptive manner.
- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) — Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential for believers, illustrating it with the parable of the unforgiving servant. This parable shows that forgiveness is not just a one-time act, but a continuous process of extending mercy and pardon to others.
- Conclusion: The Importance of Humility and Forgiveness (Matthew 18:1-35) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of humility and forgiveness, highlighting their central role in the values and principles of the kingdom of heaven.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Humility
- This chapter teaches that humility is essential for greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with a dependent and obedient heart.
- The Doctrine of Forgiveness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, teaching that it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life and a reflection of God's own character.
- The Doctrine of Church Discipline
- The chapter provides guidelines for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of confronting and correcting sin in a loving and redemptive manner.
- The Doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven
- The chapter teaches that the kingdom of heaven is a realm of God's rule and presence, where humility, forgiveness, and love are central values.
Lessons from Matthew 18
- The Importance of Humility — This chapter teaches us that humility is essential for greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with a dependent and obedient heart.
- The Power of Forgiveness — The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the importance of forgiveness, teaching that it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life and a reflection of God's own character.
- The Role of Church Discipline — The chapter provides guidelines for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of confronting and correcting sin in a loving and redemptive manner.
- The Kingdom of Heaven — The chapter teaches that the kingdom of heaven is a realm of God's rule and presence, where humility, forgiveness, and love are central values.
- The Importance of Community — The chapter emphasizes the importance of community and relationships within the church, teaching that we are called to love and serve one another in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven.
Themes from Matthew 18
- Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, teaching that it is essential for greatness in the kingdom of heaven.
- Forgiveness — The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the importance of forgiveness, teaching that it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life and a reflection of God's own character.
- Church Discipline — The chapter provides guidelines for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of confronting and correcting sin in a loving and redemptive manner.
- The Kingdom of Heaven — The chapter teaches that the kingdom of heaven is a realm of God's rule and presence, where humility, forgiveness, and love are central values.
- Community — The chapter emphasizes the importance of community and relationships within the church, teaching that we are called to love and serve one another in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to approach God with a humble and dependent heart, and how can we cultivate this humility in our own lives?
- How does the parable of the unforgiving servant illustrate the importance of forgiveness, and what lessons can we learn from this parable about extending mercy and pardon to others?
- What role does church discipline play in the life of the church, and how can we balance the need for accountability with the need for love and compassion?
- How does Jesus' teaching on the kingdom of heaven challenge or encourage you, and what implications does it have for your own life and faith?
- What are some ways that you can apply the principles of humility, forgiveness, and love to your relationships with others, and how can you prioritize these values in your own life and community?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Importance of Humility (Matthew 18:1-5)
| 18:1 | The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus responds by saying that unless they are converted and become like little children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. |
| 18:2 | Jesus calls a little child to him and says that whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. |
| 18:3 | Jesus teaches that unless they are converted and become like little children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. |
| 18:4 | Jesus says that whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. |
| 18:5 | Jesus teaches that whoever receives one little child like this in his name receives him. |
2. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14)
| 18:12 | Jesus asks the disciples what a shepherd would do if one of his sheep wandered off, and he says that the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine to go and search for the one that is lost. |
| 18:13 | Jesus says that if the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not wander off. |
| 18:14 | Jesus teaches that it is not the will of the Father that one of these little ones should perish. |
3. Guidelines for Church Discipline (Matthew 18:15-20)
| 18:15 | Jesus teaches that if a brother sins against someone, they should go and tell him his fault, just between the two of them. |
| 18:16 | Jesus says that if the brother does not listen, they should take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. |
| 18:17 | Jesus teaches that if the brother still does not listen, they should tell it to the church, and if he refuses to listen even to the church, they should treat him as a pagan or a tax collector. |
| 18:18 | Jesus says that whatever they bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever they loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. |
| 18:19 | Jesus teaches that if two of them agree on earth about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by the Father in heaven. |
| 18:20 | Jesus promises that where two or three gather in his name, he will be with them. |
4. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
| 18:21 | Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother if he sins against him, and Jesus responds by saying that he should forgive him seventy times seven. |
| 18:22 | Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant, who is forgiven a large debt by his master but then refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. |
| 18:23 | Jesus says that the master of the unforgiving servant is angry with him and hands him over to the jailers until he can pay back the debt. |
| 18:24 | Jesus teaches that the servant is thrown into prison and tortured until he can pay back the debt. |
| 18:25 | Jesus says that the servant falls down and begs for mercy, promising to pay back the debt. |
| 18:26 | Jesus teaches that the master has pity on the servant and forgives the debt. |
| 18:27 | Jesus says that the servant then goes out and finds a fellow servant who owes him a smaller debt, and he seizes him and begins to choke him. |
| 18:28 | Jesus teaches that the fellow servant falls down and begs for mercy, promising to pay back the debt. |
| 18:29 | Jesus says that the servant refuses to forgive the fellow servant and throws him into prison until he can pay back the debt. |
| 18:30 | Jesus teaches that the master hears about what the servant has done and is angry with him. |
| 18:31 | Jesus says that the master calls the servant in and says to him, 'You wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. |
| 18:32 | Jesus teaches that the master then hands the servant over to the jailers to be tortured until he can pay back the debt. |
| 18:33 | Jesus says that the master expects his servants to forgive one another, just as he has forgiven them. |
| 18:34 | Jesus teaches that the servant is thrown into prison and tortured until he can pay back the debt. |
| 18:35 | Jesus says that the Father in heaven will do the same to them if they do not forgive their brothers from their hearts. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to approach God with a humble and dependent heart?
Approaching God with a humble and dependent heart means recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and acknowledging our need for God's grace and mercy. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:3, unless we are converted and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
How does the parable of the unforgiving servant illustrate the importance of forgiveness?
The parable of the unforgiving servant teaches that forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life and a reflection of God's own character. As Jesus says in Matthew 18:35, the Father in heaven will do the same to us if we do not forgive our brothers from our hearts.
What role does church discipline play in the life of the church?
Church discipline plays an important role in the life of the church, as it helps to maintain the purity and integrity of the church. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:15-20, church discipline should be carried out in a loving and redemptive manner, with the goal of restoring and reconciling believers to God and to one another.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 18:3 → Psalm 131:1-2 | The importance of humility is also emphasized in Psalm 131, where David writes that he has calmed and quieted his soul, like a weaned child with its mother. |
| 2 | Matthew 18:10 → Psalm 34:7 | The idea of angels watching over believers is also found in Psalm 34, where David writes that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him. |
| 3 | Matthew 18:15 → Leviticus 19:17 | The principle of confronting sin in a loving and redemptive manner is also found in Leviticus 19, where God commands the Israelites to rebuke their neighbors and not to bear a grudge against them. |
| 4 | Matthew 18:20 → Hebrews 13:5-6 | The promise of Jesus' presence with his disciples is also found in Hebrews 13, where the author writes that God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' |
| 5 | Matthew 18:21 → Luke 17:3-4 | The teaching on forgiveness is also found in Luke 17, where Jesus says that if a brother sins against someone, they should forgive him, and if he sins against them seven times in a day and returns to them seven times, saying 'I repent,' they should forgive him. |
| 6 | Matthew 18:22 → Genesis 4:24 | The idea of forgiving seventy times seven is also found in Genesis 4, where Lamech says that if Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech will be avenged seventy-seven times. |
| 7 | Matthew 18:25 → The idea of paying back debts is also found in Romans 13, where Paul writes that we should owe no one anything, except to love each other. | Romans 13:8 |
| 8 | Matthew 18:30 → Deuteronomy 15:1-2 | The idea of forgiving debts is also found in Deuteronomy 15, where God commands the Israelites to cancel all debts every seven years. |
| 9 | Matthew 18:32 → Proverbs 21:13 | The idea of being handed over to jailers is also found in Proverbs 21, where Solomon writes that whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. |
| 10 | Matthew 18:35 → Mark 11:25 | The idea of forgiving from the heart is also found in Mark 11, where Jesus teaches that whatever we ask for in prayer, we should believe that we have received it, and that we should forgive anyone we have a grievance against, so that our Father in heaven may forgive us our sins. |
Sermons on Matthew 18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Getting Ready for the End of All Things by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing for the end times by focusing on spiritual readiness rather than physical provisions. It highlights the need for forgiveness, lov |
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how demons can enter a person's life and influence their behavior. He gives an example of a businessman who has a terrible day and how his ang |
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If You Agree by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being wholly committed to Christ and spending time in prayer and studying the Word of God. He calls on the audience to sacr |
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Desperation by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being desperate for God's presence and blessings. He mentions various biblical figures who were desperate and received God |
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(1 Peter - Part 34): Casting All Your Cares Upon Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of various challenges and hardships in the world, such as illness, accidents, loss of jobs, betrayals, separations, bereavements |
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Both And-Not Either or (Basis for Missions - Part 5) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have ever been lost. Only four people raise their hands. The speaker then points out that according to |
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Brokenness Study #3 - the Process by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing wit |
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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The Cross and the New Covenant! by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Covenant and the true meaning of the cross. He criticizes the competitive mindset of some preachers |
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Conversation Worthy of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having pure hearts and minds, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to let th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 18
In this chapter, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of humility, forgiveness, and church discipline. He emphasizes that true greatness is not about power or status, but about approaching God with a humble and dependent heart. The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the importance of forgiveness, teaching that it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life and a reflection of God's own character. As Jesus says in Matthew 18:35, the Father in heaven will do the same to us if we do not forgive our brothers from our hearts. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our own hearts and actions, asking ourselves if we are living out our faith in a way that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. May we strive to cultivate humility, forgiveness, and love in our own lives, and may we prioritize these values in our relationships with others. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Emphasis on Humility
The chapter begins and ends with teachings on humility, emphasizing its importance for greatness in the kingdom of heaven. This humility is not just a feeling, but a choice to approach God with a dependent and obedient heart.
The Importance of Forgiveness
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential for believers, illustrating it with the parable of the unforgiving servant. This parable shows that forgiveness is not just a one-time act, but a continuous process of extending mercy and pardon to others.
The Role of Church Discipline
The chapter provides guidelines for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of confronting and correcting sin in a loving and redemptive manner. This process is not about punishing or condemning, but about restoring and reconciling believers to God and to one another.