True Greatness: Exploring Humility, Forgiveness, and Church Discipline in Matthew 18

Executive Summary ✨

Matthew 18 delves into the core of Christian living, emphasizing humility as the path to true greatness. It challenges us to become like little children, stripping away pride and embracing dependence on God. This chapter also tackles the delicate yet crucial matter of dealing with sin within the community, highlighting the importance of patient, personal reconciliation. The parable of the lost sheep underscores God’s relentless pursuit of the straying, while the teachings on forgiveness push us to boundless mercy, exemplified in the parable of the unforgiving servant. Finally, the chapter concludes with the assurance that where two or three are gathered in Christ’s name, He is present. **True greatness** is not found in power or status, but in humble service and unwavering forgiveness.

Matthew 18 presents a profound blueprint for Christian community and individual spiritual growth. It’s a chapter about transformation, about shifting our focus from worldly ambition to heavenly values. **True greatness** in the eyes of God is radically different from earthly measures. Jesus’s teachings here offer practical guidance on how to cultivate humility, handle conflict, and extend forgiveness in a way that reflects God’s own boundless mercy. Let’s explore these timeless truths and apply them to our lives today.

Commentary Sections 📜

Matthew 18:1

“Ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ προσῆλθον οἱ μαθηταὶ τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγοντες· Τίς ἄρα μείζων ἐστὶν ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν;” (En ekeinē tē hōra prosēlthon hoi mathētai tō Iēsou legontes: Tis ara meizōn estin en tē basileia tōn ouranōn?)

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

The disciples, still grappling with worldly ambitions, question who will hold the highest position in the coming Kingdom. This reveals their misunderstanding of Christ’s kingdom as a place of earthly power. Their query is a product of the human desire for recognition and status, a stark contrast to the servant-leadership Christ embodies.

Spiritual Application: We must constantly examine our motives. Are we serving God for His glory, or for our own recognition? True greatness lies not in seeking earthly power, but in serving others with humility and love. Learn more about our church hosting solutions and how it can help you spread love.

Matthew 18:2-4

“καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος παιδίον ἔστησεν αὐτὸ ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν καὶ εἶπεν· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ στραφῆτε καὶ γένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν. ὅστις οὖν ταπεινώσει ἑαυτὸν ὡς τὸ παιδίον τοῦτο, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ μείζων ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν.” (kai proskalesamenos paidion estēsen auto en mesō autōn kai eipen: amēn legō umin, ean mē straphēte kai genēsthe hōs ta paidia, ou mē eiselthēte eis tēn basileian tōn ouranōn. hostis oun tapeinōsei heauton hōs to paidion touto, houtos estin ho meizōn en tē basileia tōn ouranōn.)

“Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus uses a child as an object lesson, symbolizing humility, trust, and dependence. Children are typically unconcerned with status and naturally rely on their parents. Entering the Kingdom requires a radical transformation – a turning away from pride and self-reliance towards child-like faith and humility. This is not about being childish, but about embracing the virtues of a child’s heart.

Patristic Insight: St. Macarius the Great, in his homilies, emphasizes the stripping away of the “old man” with his passions and pride, to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, like a child being clothed by its parent. (Μακάριος ὁ Αἰγύπτιος, Ὁμιλίαι, Homily 11 – “Blessed is the man who puts off the old man…”)

Spiritual Application: Ask yourself: Am I willing to let go of my ego and embrace a spirit of humility? Do I trust God with the same unwavering faith as a child trusts their parent? Cultivate child-like faith through prayer and reliance on God’s guidance. This is how you achieve **true greatness**.

Matthew 18:5-6

“καὶ ὃς ἂν δέξηται ἓν παιδίον τοιοῦτο ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου ἐμὲ δέχεται· ὃς δ’ ἂν σκανδαλίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων τῶν πιστευόντων εἰς ἐμέ, συμφέρει αὐτῷ ἵνα κρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ καταποντισθῇ ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης.” (kai hos an dexētai hen paidion toiouto epi tō onomati mou eme dechetai; hos d’ an skandalisē hena tōn mikrōn toutōn tōn pisteuontōn eis eme, sympherei autō hina kremasthē mylos onikos peri ton trachēlon autou kai katapontisthē en tō pelagei tēs thalassēs.)

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Jesus equates receiving a child in His name with receiving Him. This underscores the inherent worth and dignity of every person, especially the vulnerable. Conversely, causing a “little one” to stumble, whether literally a child or a new believer, carries dire consequences. The imagery of a millstone and drowning emphasizes the severity of leading someone astray.

Spiritual Application: We are called to protect and nurture those who are vulnerable in our community. Examine your actions and words. Are they building others up in faith or causing them to stumble? Be mindful of the impact you have on those around you.

Matthew 18:10

“Ὁρᾶτε μὴ καταφρονήσητε ἑνὸς τῶν μικρῶν τούτων· λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτῶν ἐν οὐρανοῖς διὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς.” (Horate mē kataphroneēsēte henos tōn mikrōn toutōn; legō gar hymin hoti hoi angeloi autōn en ouranois dia pantos blepousi to prosōpon tou patros mou tou en ouranois.)

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

This verse highlights the divine care and protection afforded to even the “least” among us. Each person has a guardian angel who stands before God. This reinforces the inherent value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their perceived status or importance.

Spiritual Application: Treat everyone with respect and dignity, knowing that they are precious in God’s eyes. Remember that even the seemingly insignificant person has a connection to the divine. Consider volunteering with those in need to show God’s love.

Matthew 18:12-14: The Parable of the Lost Sheep

“Τί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ; ἐὰν γένηταί τινι ἀνθρώπῳ ἑκατὸν πρόβατα καὶ πλανηθῇ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν, οὐχὶ ἀφεὶς τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη πορευθεὶς ζητεῖ τὸ πλανώμενον; καὶ ἐὰν γένηται εὑρεῖν αὐτό, ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι χαίρει ἐπ’ αὐτῷ μᾶλλον ἢ ἐπὶ τοῖς ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα τοῖς μὴ πεπλανημένοις. οὕτως οὐκ ἔστιν θέλημα ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μικρῶν τούτων.” (Ti hymin dokei? ean genētai tini anthrōpō hekaton probata kai planēthē hen ex autōn, ouchi apheis ta enenēkonta ennea epi ta orē poreutheis zētei to planōmenon? kai ean genētai heurein auto, amēn legō hymin hoti chairei ep’ autō mallon ē epi tois enenēkonta ennea tois mē peplanēmenois. houtōs ouk estin thelēma emprosthen tou patros hymōn tou en ouranois hina apolētai hen tōn mikrōn toutōn.)

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”

This parable beautifully illustrates God’s unwavering love and relentless pursuit of the lost. The shepherd leaves the safety of the ninety-nine to search for the single stray sheep, highlighting the immense value God places on each individual. His joy upon finding the lost sheep underscores the profound satisfaction God experiences when a soul is restored to Him.

Spiritual Application: We are called to emulate the shepherd’s compassion and actively seek out those who have strayed from the faith. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who are struggling, offering them support and guidance. Be a beacon of hope and a source of encouragement for those who are lost. God wants us to assist Him in bringing people back to the flock in His church.

Matthew 18:15-17: Dealing with Sin in the Church

“Ἐὰν δὲ ἁμαρτήσῃ εἰς σὲ ὁ ἀδελφός σου, ὕπαγε ἔλεγξον αὐτὸν μεταξὺ σοῦ καὶ αὐτοῦ μόνου· ἐάν σου ἀκούσῃ, ἐκέρδησας τὸν ἀδελφόν σου· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀκούσῃ, παράλαβε μετὰ σοῦ ἔτι ἕνα ἢ δύο, ἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα. ἐὰν δὲ παρακούσῃ αὐτῶν, εἰπὲ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ· ἐὰν δὲ καὶ τῆς ἐκκλησίας παρακούσῃ, ἔστω σοι ὥσπερ ὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης.” (Ean de hamartēsē eis se ho adelphos sou, hypage elegxon auton metaxy sou kai autou monou; ean sou akousē, ekerdēsas ton adelphon sou; ean de mē akousē, paralabe meta sou eti hena ē dyo, hina epi stomatos dyo martyrōn ē triōn statē pan rhēma. ean de parakousē autōn, eipe tē ekklēsia; ean de kai tēs ekklēsias parakousē, estō soi hōsper ho ethnikos kai ho telōnēs.)

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

This passage outlines a process for addressing sin within the Christian community. The emphasis is on reconciliation and restoration. The steps involve personal confrontation, then bringing in witnesses, and finally, involving the church community. Excommunication is a last resort, aimed at prompting repentance and eventual restoration.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love and gentleness in confronting sin, urging us to act as healers rather than judges. (Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος, Εἰς τὸν Ματθαῖον Ὁμιλίαι, Homily 60 – “Let us approach with gentleness, not seeking vengeance but healing.”)

Spiritual Application: When confronted with sin in the church, approach the situation with humility and a desire for reconciliation. Follow the steps outlined by Jesus, prioritizing love and restoration over judgment and condemnation. Remember that our goal is to win back our brother or sister, not to push them away.

Matthew 18:21-35: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

“Τότε προσελθὼν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν· Κύριε, ποσάκις ἁμαρτήσει εἰς ἐμὲ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἀφήσω αὐτῷ; ἕως ἑπτάκις; λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Οὐ λέγω σοι ἕως ἑπτάκις, ἀλλ’ ἕως ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά.” (Tote proselthōn autō ho Petros eipen: Kyrie, posakis hamartēsei eis eme ho adelphos mou kai aphēsō autō? heōs heptakis? Legei autō ho Iēsous: Ou legō soi heōs heptakis, all’ heōs hebdomēkontakis hepta.)

“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Peter asks how many times he should forgive, suggesting a limit of seven. Jesus’s response, “seventy times seven,” signifies limitless forgiveness. This highlights the boundless nature of God’s mercy and our call to emulate it.

The parable that follows illustrates this point vividly. A servant is forgiven an enormous debt by his master, but then refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The master, upon learning of his servant’s lack of compassion, revokes his forgiveness and punishes him severely.

Spiritual Application: Forgiveness is not an option, but a commandment. We are called to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. Harboring bitterness and resentment will ultimately imprison us. Let go of past hurts and embrace the freedom that comes with forgiveness.

Connection to deuterocanonical books: The book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) frequently emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. For example, Sirach 28:2-4 says, “Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray. Does anyone harbor anger against another and expect healing from the Lord? Can mortals refuse mercy to a fellow mortal, yet seek pardon for their own sins?”

Matthew 18:20

“οὗ γάρ εἰσιν δύο ἢ τρεῖς συνηγμένοι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, ἐκεῖ εἰμι ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν.” (hou gar eisin dyo ē treis synēgmenoi eis to emon onoma, ekei eimi en mesō autōn.)

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

This verse provides comfort and assurance that Christ is present whenever believers gather in His name. This presence is not limited by size or location but is contingent upon a shared devotion to Christ. It emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life. Even small gatherings hold immense power when centered on Christ.

Spiritual Application: Cherish the times you spend in fellowship with other believers. Know that Christ is present with you, strengthening and encouraging you. Make an effort to attend church services and participate in small group gatherings.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Let’s distill some key reflections from Matthew 18:

Humility as the Foundation: True greatness isn’t about dominance, but about embracing humility like a child.
The Value of the “Little Ones”: Every person is precious in God’s sight, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.
Relentless Pursuit of the Lost: God’s love is unwavering, and He actively seeks out those who have strayed.
Forgiveness as a Must: We are called to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us, without limit.
The Power of Community: Christ is present whenever believers gather in His name, strengthening and encouraging them.
Restoration over Condemnation: The goal when addressing sin is always reconciliation and restoration.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the teachings in Matthew 18:

Q: What does it mean to “become like little children?”
A: It means embracing humility, trust, and dependence on God, relinquishing pride and self-reliance. It’s about recognizing our need for God’s grace and guidance.
Q: How can I forgive someone who has deeply hurt me?
A: Forgiveness is a process that begins with a willingness to let go of bitterness and resentment. Pray for the person who hurt you, and ask God to help you see them through His eyes. Remember that forgiveness is not condoning the action, but freeing yourself from its hold on you.
Q: What if the person who has sinned against me refuses to repent?
A: Follow the steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, seeking reconciliation and involving the church community. If the person remains unrepentant, you are released from the burden of carrying the offense, but continue to pray for their transformation.
Q: How does Matthew 18 relate to the rest of the Bible?
A: It encapsulates core Christian principles found throughout scripture: humility (Philippians 2:3-8), forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), the value of every person (Psalm 139:14), and the importance of community (Hebrews 10:24-25). It provides practical guidance for living out these principles in our daily lives.

Conclusion ✨

Matthew 18 is a powerful call to radical discipleship. It challenges us to redefine **true greatness**, to embrace humility, and to extend boundless forgiveness. It reminds us of the immense value of every person, especially the vulnerable, and the importance of pursuing reconciliation within the Christian community. The promise of Christ’s presence whenever believers gather in His name provides comfort and encouragement. By internalizing these teachings, we can transform our lives and reflect the love and grace of God to the world. Let us strive to live out the principles of Matthew 18, becoming true disciples of Christ.

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Explore Matthew 18’s teachings on humility, forgiveness, and church discipline. Discover how to achieve **true greatness** through child-like faith and boundless mercy.

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Matthew 18 – Teachings on Humility, Forgiveness, and Church Discipline