In Matthew chapter 18, we are invited into a series of teachings that reveal the heart of God for His people and the proper way we are to live together in His kingdom. This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts, to embrace humility, and to extend forgiveness, all while fostering a spirit of unity and accountability within our community.
The chapter opens with a question from the disciples about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In response, Jesus calls a child to stand among them and declares, “Unless you become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” By using the example of a child—one who is humble, dependent, and trusting—Jesus reminds us that true greatness in His kingdom is not measured by power or status, but by the qualities of humility and innocence. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and to approach God with a heart open to learning and growth.
Jesus then issues a stark warning against causing others, especially those with childlike faith, to stumble. He says that if a little one who believes in Him causes someone to sin, it would be better for that person to have a heavy millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea. This admonition compels us to be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on the faith of others. It calls us to guard our conduct, ensuring that we nurture the faith of those around us rather than lead them into error
Following these teachings, Jesus shares the Parable of the Lost Sheep. In this parable, a shepherd who has a hundred sheep leaves the ninety-nine in the open field to search for the one that is lost. When he finds it, he rejoices more over that single sheep than over all the others who did not stray. This beautiful illustration demonstrates God’s deep love and care for each one of us. It reminds us that no one is insignificant in His eyes, and that He is relentlessly pursuing us when we wander away. In our community, this parable calls us to celebrate even the smallest step of repentance and to seek out those who have strayed, welcoming them back with joy and compassion.
Jesus then turns to the issue of dealing with sin within the community. He outlines a process for addressing a brother or sister’s wrongdoing: first, we should go to them privately and confront the issue. If they listen, we have successfully restored the relationship. But if they do not listen, we are to take one or two others along so that “every word may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” And if they refuse to heed even the church, then they are to be treated as a pagan or a tax collector. This step-by-step approach is designed not to shame or ostracize but to bring about genuine repentance and reconciliation. It teaches us that discipline in the church is meant for restoration—so that we, as a community, can continue growing in unity and love. (See also 1 Corinthians 5 for additional insight on church discipline.)
Next, Jesus reveals to His disciples the authority He grants them by saying, “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.” This declaration underscores that as followers of Christ, we share in the responsibility of upholding His truth and extending His forgiveness. The power to “bind” and “loose” signifies our role in making decisions that have eternal significance, reminding us to exercise our authority with wisdom and compassion.
The chapter concludes with one of the most profound teachings on forgiveness—the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. Peter comes to Jesus and asks, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother? Up to seven times?” Jesus answers, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.” Then He tells the story of a servant who, after being forgiven a massive debt by his master, refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller sum. When the master learns of this, he is furious and hands the unforgiving servant over to be tortured until he can repay his enormous debt. Jesus concludes that this is how our heavenly Father will treat each one of us unless we forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts. This parable is a powerful reminder that forgiveness must be limitless, mirroring the boundless mercy God extends to us. It challenges us to let go of grudges and to offer forgiveness freely, knowing that our willingness to forgive is a reflection of our own experience of God’s grace.
In reflecting on Matthew chapter 18, we see that Jesus calls us to live out a community marked by humility, accountability, and above all, forgiveness. We are reminded that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about authority or control but about caring for the lost, restoring the broken, and forgiving as we have been forgiven. As we apply these teachings to our lives, may we continually seek to cultivate hearts that are humble, compassionate, and quick to forgive. In doing so, we build a community that reflects the true nature of God’s kingdom—a kingdom where every person is valued, restored, and united in the love of Christ.