That is to obey the word of our Lord Jesus given in Matthew 18 concerning the handling of a serious moral failure in a member of this church. It ought to have been John's place to have proclaimed the glory of Jesus; but all things in this world are the reverse of what they ought to be, and of what will be when Jesus takes the throne, coming in power and glory. (v) There is the quality of discipline ( Matthew 18:15-20). They confess their faith, and He touches their eyes. And behold, if it is true and the thing certain that this A king forgave a servant a huge debt, but the servant then refused to forgive a fellow servant a small debt (Matthew 18:23-30). The next chapter (Matthew 18:1-35) takes up the double thought of the kingdom and the Church, showing the requisite for entrance into the kingdom, and displaying or calling forth divine grace in the most lovely manner, and that in practice. Christian reproof is an ordinance of Christ for the bringing of sinners to repentance, and must be managed as an ordinance. It was after our Lord had called the twelve, and ordained them not after He had sent them forth, but after He had appointed them apostles that the Lord comes down to a plateau upon the mountain, instead of remaining upon the more elevated parts where He had been before. But here as everywhere we must remember the basic law of prayer; that law is that in prayer we receive, not the answer which we desire, but the answer which God in his wisdom and his love knows to be best. In short, he had a question because he was a man. If a first attempt at peacemaking has been unsuccessful, involve others in the community. Also I avoided mentioning elders, because I didn't want to import an ecclesiology that might be anachronistic to the passage anyway. The Christian is like an athlete for whom no training is too hard, if by it he may win the prize; he is like the student who will sacrifice pleasure and leisure to reach the crown. Although Matthew 18 outlines these steps as a model for reconciliation and restoration, Matthew 7:12 also has something to say about how we treat to people around us: sowhatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.. I say to them point blank, "cut it off, not tomorrow, right now, cut it off, "Oh, but I"- don't, cut it off.I said, "If I were a surgeon and you came to me, and you said, "Oh, I am having these lumps under my arm, and they are sore, and they really bother me." The Christian is the man who forgets self in his devotion to Jesus Christ and in his service of his fellow-men. Jesus further specifies what this means in the following verse: "Whoever humbles themselves like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4). The woman of Canaan, out of the borders of Tyre and Sidon, appeals to Him; a Gentile of most ominous name and belongings a Gentile whose case was desperate; for she appeals on behalf of her daughter, grievously vexed with a devil. - Augustine Sermon 82.7. Here, too, these Pharisees question and reproach His grace, when they see the Lord sitting at ease in the presence of publicans and sinners, who came and sat down with Him in Matthew's house. It was the little foreshadowing of what will be when the Lord has joined the remnant in the last days, and then fills with blessing the land that He touches. Individual Revelation Needed for a Testimony of Jesus Christ As recorded in Matthew 16:17-18, Jesus Christ commended Peter, recognizing that his testimony came not from the testimony of others or from physical evidences, but from revelation from Heavenly Father. The restoration of a wayward disciple 18:15-20. So you The church is different from the world and its organizations, the church is easy to enter but difficult to leave. 17: If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "Now that is heavy. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. The man who is useless, the man who is an evil influence on others, the man who cannot justify the simple fact of his existence, is in danger of the punishment of God, unless he excises from his life those things which make him the handicap he is. And the last verse actually seems to give the Church the power to retain and to forgive sins. This came out most blessedly through the disciples. Jesus, nevertheless, owned all that could be owned in him. (Compare Mark 3:13-19, andMark 6:7-11; Mark 6:7-11; Luke 6:1-49; Luke 9:1-62) The mission of the apostles did not take place till afterwards. If it be so, it is surely a ground of thankfulness to God; for it turns a stumbling-block into an evidence of the perfection of Scripture. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. Some call it proof that the church will never be defeated. Today we must do what we have had to do only three previous times in the 36-year history of Peninsula Bible Church. I love Jesus; He is a man's man. In most situations the scope of public announcement would be a local church congregation, the particular collection of disciples of which the wayward brother is a part. Finally, we have all wound up, after the going forth of a testimony which was truly universal in its scope, by the judicial severance at the close, when it is not only the good put into vessels, but the bad dealt with by the due instruments of the power of God. This is the purpose of church discipline: to restore and show love (Matthew 18:15). Jesus then told the story of the servant forgiven a great debt who went out and dealt mercilessly with a fellow-servant who owed him a debt that was an infinitesimal fraction of what he himself had owed; and who for his mercilessness was utterly condemned. . I am sure that he was stretching in his own mind his knowledge of his own ability to forgive. I think that that 5 dollar book could save people a ton of hurt. This was, and is always to be, the first business in disciplining an offending brother. No law of heaven limits the number of petitioners. We are not meant to pray only for our own needs, thinking of nothing and no one but ourselves; we are meant to pray as members of a fellowship, in agreement, remembering that life and the world are not arranged for us as individuals but for the fellowship as a whole. - Deuteronomy 17:2-7. Proceed in this method: First, "Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone. It is not enough that Israel be awakened from the sleep of death, and see aright. hen a sinner has been rebuked with love and yet refuses to repent, he is no longer demonstrating the spirit of a sheep but rather of a wolf. For he figures it's better to be a free muskrat with three paws, than having four paws be tacked on a fur board.So Jesus is saying much the same thing here. The term "heathen" (that is, Gentile) refers to one who is steeped in paganism. I gotta tell you that you are the most straight shooting guy I have ever met. The Jews themselves had a saying, "Where two sit and are occupied with the study of the Law, the glory of God is among them." It is not here a question of life (as in the seed at first), but a system of christian doctrine; not life germinating and bearing fruit, but mere dogma natural mind which is exposed to it. So synagogue means congregation or assembly, which certainly fits the context of what Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:18. We are dependent, therefore, for determining this case, on the fact that Mark does habitually adhere to the chain of events. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "Who, then," they said, "is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Having said this, pointing out someone's sin or speaking the truth to them does not mean we can assassinate their character or use harsh comments under the guise of telling the truth.. Those who depart from it, preferring some other way, do so at their eternal peril. Matthew 18:17 "the church" does that mean elders/overseers or the church body? As to any one else, even the most liberal gift that ever was given of God to fallen man on earth, to the golden head of the Gentiles, exempted the deep and its untamed inhabitants. Read full chapter. When do you suppose these conversations actually occurred, if we go to the question of their date? However, not only does the Bible never say that, the Bible tells us the Church is the final authority. At the beginning of Matthew 10:1-42 He Himself sends forth themselves as labourers. He simply believed people talking about other people, and acted on it! But if Matthew here laid aside all question of time, it was in view of other and weightier considerations for his object. He was about to go off on a campaign. That is why the shepherd could leave the ninety-nine. Tell it to the guides and governors of the church, the minister or ministers, the elders or deacons, or (if such the constitution of the society be) tell it to the representatives or heads of the congregation, or to all the members of it; let them examine the matter and, if they find the complaint frivolous and groundless, let them rebuke the complainant; if they find it just, let them rebuke the offender, and call him to repentance, and this will be likely to put an edge and an efficacy upon the reproof, because given," 1. Paul tells the Thessalonians to admonish the sinner as they would a brother (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). One passage, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (16:18), has become the basis of Roman Catholic belief in the divine institution of the papacy. It is easier to label and scapegoat someone as the cause of problems than to forgive them perpetually. The upper stone, which turned round upon the lower was equipped with a handle, and it was commonly of such a size that the housewife could easily turn it, for it was she who did the grinding of the corn for the household needs. How to prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? Jesus isn't like some today who say, "Well, the crowd's too small. Only if these steps fail is the matter opened to public scrutiny. They must have felt embarrassed and ashamed. a. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (ii) It can mean with a blessing. We have noted that the terms "lord," "disciple," "apostle," and others came to have more specific meanings as Gods kingdom plan unfolded. Ignatius was surnamed Theophoros, which means God--carried, and the tradition grew up that he had received that name because Jesus carried him on his knee. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." The child's humility is the pattern of the Christian's behaviour to his fellow-men, and the child's dependence and trust are the pattern of the Christian's attitude towards God, the Father of all. Jesus takes it from confronting with one person [v15] to confirming it (in obedience to the Law) by 2 or 3 witnesses [v16] to an even larger group in the church [v17]. Why are all Christians hypocrites? Is it not most sweet to see, that He who proves His divine glory at once associates us with Himself? The Christian realizes that God cares for him individually, and that he must reflect that individual care in his care for others. (iii) Jesus goes on to say that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there in the midst of them. and a sinking ship are serious difficulties to a man. So take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven [and I love this] their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven ( Matthew 18:8-10 ). I have endeavoured, though, of course, cursorily, and I feel most imperfectly, to give thus far Matthew's sketch of the Saviour as the Holy Ghost enabled him to execute it. Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and he freed him, and he forgave him the debt. This ridge-like plateau is narrow, only a few miles across. When He uttered the words, "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me," it is to me evident that there was an allusion to the wavering let it be but for a moment of John's soul. This is not a form of excommunication to be used among Christians, nor was there ever any such form among the Jews; nor could Heathens or publicans, especially such publicans as were Gentiles, be excommunicated, when they never were of the Jewish church. Nevertheless, the Lord did not withhold the infinite boon, though He knew too well their thoughts; He spoke the word of forgiveness, though He read their evil heart that counted it blasphemy. How should Christians handle disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)? Were you watching my life when you wrote the New Testament Prophet? "Then Jesus in verse eleven says so beautifully. Read the Scripture: Matthew 18:15-18. Such a man must be guided and corrected and, if need be, disciplined back into the right way. In Matthew 15:1-39 we have another picture, and twofold. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The woman at last meets the heart and mind of Jesus in the sense of all her utter nothingness before God; and then grace, which had wrought all up to this, though pent-up, can flow like a river; and the Lord can admire her faith, albeit from Himself, God's free gift. Better to go through life maimed, than into hell whole. And don't you know that if you could see Him, if He actually stood here visible, if you could reach out and touch Him, you know that the problems would all go away. No doubt the first verse says, that "when He was come down from the mount, great multitudes followed Him;" but then the second verse gives no intimation that the subject which follows is to be taken as chronologically subsequent. "Even so shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you do not each one forgive his brother from your hearts.". Disagreeing with someone is not scandalous behavior. And when the devil was come out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel." How important that we learn to serve, that we not be looking for ourselves, but we only be looking for our Lord and to exalt Him. But if He here does not go beyond a hint of that which the Gentiles were about to receive on the ruinous unbelief and judgment of the Jew, He does not keep back their own awful course and doom in the figure that follows. If Christ (who here speaks as one having authority) say, "It shall be done," we may be assured that it is done, though we see not the effect in the way that we look for it. This was testing matters more closely. In Judaea it was tragically easy for sheep to go astray. Who but God could heal? 16But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.[c](B) 17If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church;(C) and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.(D). Let me passingly notice a very few particulars. Then the pitiable condition of the disciples at the foot of the hill, where Satan reigned in fallen ruined man, is tested by the fact, that notwithstanding all the glory of Jesus, Son of God and Son of man, the disciples rendered it evident that they knew not how to bring His grace into action for others; yet was it precisely their place and proper function here below. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny." But the mission is given here in strict accordance with what the gospel demands. We can imagine how the eyes of the people would turn ever and again to the hillside watching for the shepherd who had not come home; and we can imagine the shout of joy when they saw him striding along the pathway with the weary wanderer slung across his shoulder, safe at last; and we can imagine how the whole village would welcome him, and gather round with gladness to hear the story of the sheep who was lost and found. "The foxes," says He, "have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.. The key to it is this, that Matthew was led by the Holy Ghost to keep in view adequate testimony to the Jewish people; it was the tender goodness of God that would meet them in a manner that was suitable under the law. Thus the fresh revelations of grace in no way detract from that which God had of old established in nature; but, contrariwise, only impart a new and greater force in asserting the real value and wisdom of God's way even in these least things. The Lord turned the captivity of Job, not when he prayed for himself, but when he prayed for his friends who had trespassed against him. And the basis of any answer toward your question does require some foundation to be built in biblical ecclesiology. 18:5-7,10 "Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me. When we point out someone else's sin, we are allowing ourselves to partner with God in caring for our church brothers and sisters enough to help them grow in their spiritual maturity. This means that it is not only a sin to put a stumbling-block in another's way; it is also a sin even to bring that person into any situation, or circumstance, or environment where he may meet with such a stumbling-block. A man must always be confronted with his first temptation to sin; he must always receive his first encouragement to do the wrong thing; he must always experience his first push along the way to the forbidden things. He is not the slave of numbers. Neither did He need to wait for His exaltation as man; for He was ever God, and God's Son, who therefore, if one may so say, waits for nothing, for no day of glory. In general, to all the requests of the faithful praying seed of Jacob; they shall not seek God's face in vain. Of its peace and order, that every member may know his place and duty, and the purity of it may be preserved in a regular way and not tumultuously. It can poison the whole mind and life, until we can think of nothing else but our sense of personal injury. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Misguided church leaders often use Matthew 18 as a speech/thought-control template. I have to thank you for your blog and books. The Jew would gladly agree that, if the sinner came crawling wretchedly home, God would forgive. You --that's a painful operation. It was not more truly Christ's kingdom as man than He was God's own Son, His beloved Son, in whom He was well pleased, who was now to be heard, rather than Moses or Elias, who disappear, leaving Jesus alone with the chosen witnesses. Here there may be a difference. Ecclessia doesn't have a sense of just the people of one denomination who meet at that local church building you see in your suburb of the city. And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them." Then, with the addition of witnesses, it becomes semi-private. Why should I return? If we compare the eighth chapter, for example, with the corresponding circumstances, as far as they appear, in the gospel of Mark, we shall find the latter gives us notes of time, which leave no doubt on my mind that Mark adheres to the scale of time: the design of the Holy Ghost required it, instead of dispensing with it in his case. What church must be told--is the great question. It is not possible that Jesus said this in its present form. But still, it was His carrying on the great process of shewing out more and more the total rejection of His rejectors.
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