Icebreaker in pairs: Option A: Give your best definition of mercy. Tell about a time God showed mercy to you. (Mercy is not getting what we deserve.) Option B: How would you feel about someone to whom you owed $10, 000, 000 and he cancelled the debt and said you no longer owed it? If a friend owed you $17, would you be willing to cancel that debt?
Matthew 18:1-4
- In Matthew 18, Jesus lays out kingdom values which turn the world’s values upside down. What value does he lay out in 18:1-4?
- What question had the disciples asked Jesus? Who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
- Who did Jesus call to stand in their midst as he was teaching about humility? A child
- How is this value different from the values of this world system, including government, business, sports, etc.? In those realms, you don’t “get ahead” by being humble. In what other ways is it different?
Matthew 18:5-14
- What kingdom value does Jesus discuss in these verses? Concern for the lost and children
- To receive a child in his name was to receive whom? Jesus
- What warning did Jesus give against causing a child to stumble? He pronounced a woe. Notice he said the world has its stumbling blocks contrasting with his kingdom.
- How did he tell them to deal with things that caused them to stumble? Deal with it. The idea of cutting off hands or feet or removing an eye was hyperbolic language for emphasis and not to be taken literally.
- What reason did Jesus give for not despising the little ones? Their angels in heaven continually behold the face of his father in heaven.
- Why did Jesus tell the story of the lost sheep? To demonstrate that he did not want one of the little ones to perish. What should be our attitude toward the lost? We must leave no stone unturned in finding them.
Matthew 18:15-20
- What kingdom value does Jesus teach in this section? Deal with broken relationships in order to keep unity in the kingdom.
- Are people in government, business, sports, etc. concerned about dealing with broken relationships in order to maintain unity? Perhaps in some rare cases they are, but often those just interested in climbing the ladder or getting ahead don’t care about whom they hurt or offend.
- In the process Jesus outlined, what is the ideal situation? That the brother who has sinned listens to a one-on-one visit and reconciliation and repentance has occurred.
- What is the purpose of church discipline? Reconciliation even if removal is required. The goal is not removal. That is a means to an end.
Matthew 18:21-35
- What observations do you make based on Peter’s question about the number of times he should forgive an offending brother? The first century rabbinic teaching said three times was the limit. By doubling that number and adding one, perhaps he was wanting to impress Jesus.
- What was the meaning of Jesus’ answer? Jesus’ answer was not mathematical but hyperbolic meaning unlimited. It would be similar to his answer about going the second mile.
- What is the world’s way of responding to being sinned against? Get even and pay back. Again, the opposite of kingdom values.
- What was Jesus’ point in the parable of the compassionate king and the unforgiving servant? That God showed great mercy when he forgave our sin, and we should likewise show mercy to those who sin against us.
- How should 18:35 be interpreted in light of the context? Can a person who has never experienced God’s forgiveness forgive others? Not likely. Is our salvation dependent on whether we forgive others or not? Our salvation is dependent on whether we have a relationship with God through Jesus. Does a refusal to forgive others cause us to lose our salvation? No, but a failure to forgive affects our relationship with others and with the Lord.