Devotional Sharing, Submitted by Sunny Kim, Gracepoint Austin
What misunderstanding about the Kingdom Of Heaven does the disciples’ question reveal? In what ways am I like the disciples, seeking to be great? How does this contrast with Jesus’ values?
The disciples had a profound misunderstanding about the Kingdom of heaven which was revealed through their question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” They saw being a part of God’s kingdom as having something to do with earthly greatness, with power, and perhaps as they saw the throngs of people following Jesus – even with respect, popularity, etc. So, Jesus had to re-teach them the basics of what His kingdom’s values were in the clearest, and most memorable way through the example of this child – who didn’t have any status in society back then. Jesus said that unless I change and become like a little child, I cannot enter His kingdom. Plain and simple. His kingdom is about change first and foremost! Change from what? Change from our earthly pursuits of seeking respect, admiration, presentation, domination over others, and, instead, humbling ourselves, and coming to God with ease as a child would to his/her parent because there is no need to impress anymore. There is no need to hide my true needs.
What a contrast in values Jesus espoused vs. the world! And what a rebuke to me again as I see how similar I’m to these disciples still. I see how I still strive and seek to be “great” or “all together” or “presentable” as a leader, even as a mother – can’t show my flaws, weakness to others and I realized that this is wrong, that this does not reflect the values of my Father’s kingdom. Rather, I should daily seek to humble myself before my fellow man, seek to not cover up my weakness, my neediness, but instead, ask for help even with the most basic things if needed – with ease b/c there is no need to impress any longer as a daughter of God’s kingdom.
Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14
- What misunderstanding about the kingdom of heaven does the disciples’ question reveal? In what ways am I like the disciples, seeking to be great? How does this contrast with Jesus’ values?
- Who are the “little ones” in my life that I need to be responsible towards?
- What is the connection between “[looking] down on one of these little ones” (v. 10) and “[causing] one of these little ones who believe in [Jesus] to sin,” (v. 6) and what are some ways in which both of these things are going on in today’s culture?
Matthew 18:7-10
“Jesus now addresses the disciples directly about their personal responsibility for their own actions. Lest they deceive themselves into thinking that all sinful behavior is the result of others causing them to sin, Jesus declares that they must take responsibility for their own tendencies to cause themselves to sin (again skandalizo, as in 18:6). Similar to the hyperbole in the SM (5:29-30), Jesus indicates that cutting off one’s hand or foot or plucking out one’s eye in this life (18:8-9) is no comparison to the eternal judgment destined for allowing the passions of one’s own life to lead one into sin. Jesus is not advocating physical self-mutilation, but through dramatic figures of speech he indicates the rigorous self-discipline needed for committed disciples.”[1]
“ ‘Little ones’ does not only mean children, but those who humble themselves like children as Jesus described. It is a wicked thing to sin, and it is a far greater evil to lead others into sin.”[2]
- What kind of excuses have I been making towards resilient sin issues in my life? How has this affected others?
- What kind of drastic measures am I called to take to deal with sins in my life? What should be my motivation?
Matthew 18:15-20
“At its widest what Jesus was saying was, ‘If anyone sins against you, spare no effort to make that man admit his fault, and to get things right again between you and him.’ Basically it means that we must never tolerate any situation in which there is a breach of personal relationships between us and another member of the Christian community.”[3]
- What responsibility do I have towards other people’s sins? What responsibility does the church have?
- How easy is it to “go and show [a brother] his fault”?
- What can I learn from the process that a person is advised to take in leading a brother to repent?
Additional Questions:
Matthew 18:18-20
- How does this passage elevate my identity as a Christian and my relationship with other Christians?
- Reflect on the promise of Jesus to be with us whenever we come together with other believers in his name. What implication does this promise have on how I view my brothers/sisters in Christ?
Matthew 18:21-22
- What is revealed in Peter’s question “how many times shall I forgive my brother?”
- What can we learn about God’s heart based on Jesus’ answer?
- Under what situations have you uttered the same questions to God, “How many time do I have to ____?”
Matthew 18:23-27
“The total revenue of the province which contained Idumaea, Judaea and Samaria was only 600 talents; the total revenue of even a wealthy province like Galilee was only 300 talents. Here was a debt which was greater than a king’s ransom.”[4]
- What words provide a clue into the self-understanding of the servant?
- How would the servant have felt upon receiving the king’s mercy? Why?
- How does the king’s cancellation of the servant’s debt resemble what the cross accomplished?
Matthew 18:28-35
- Reflect on the servant’s treatment toward his fellow servant. In what ways do I forget God’s mercy and over-focus on the sins of others? In what ways have I missed opportunities to show mercy to others?
- What does it mean to “forgive from your heart”? Is there someone toward whom I can apply this lesson?
[1] Wilkins, Michael J. “Matthew 18:1 – 35” In NIV Application Commentary, New Testament: Matthew. By Michael J. Wilkins, 609-640. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 2004. vv. 8-9
[2] Guzik, David. David Guzik’s Commentary on Matthew, Chapter 18, (Enduring Word Media, 2004) (Section 3b)
[3] Barclay, William, The Gospel According to Matthew, pg. 187
[4] The Gospel of Matthew Volume 2 by William Barclay