Simply Jesus The Life and Ministry of God s Son Lesson 12 Introduction Our story has reached the transitional point in the life and ministry of God s Son. In Matthew 18, we come to the end of the first two and a half years; now Jesus will turn southward from Galilee toward Jerusalem where the cross awaits. The remaining time of ministry will be focused on intimate moments of preparing the disciples for the Lord s death and the role they will play in God s plan. Now Jesus will lay out the practical principles of kingdom living that will become an integral part of establishing the early church. Mark 9 tells us that following the time on the Mount of Transfiguration, as they walked the road to Capernaum, Jesus overheard an argument among the disciples causing Him to ask them about it. Not one of them had an immediate response, but once they arrived at their destination and things were quiet again, they asked Jesus, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of God? The response that follows is a life lesson in humility for every Christian whose aim is truly to be well pleasing to Him. The disciples, too often fell short in comprehending the reality of Jesus the Messiah in their midst. They could not grasp the magnitude of the teachings or the miracles even though they walked with Jesus, talked to Him, and witnessed the living Word in action! As we too walk the path this year with them, let us remember the words in 1 Corinthians 10:11, Now all these happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Did you know J. C. Ryle has made this observation on the issue of pride: It is one of the commonest sins which beset human nature. It is a subtle sin. It rules and reigns in many a heart without being detected, and can even wear the clothing of humility. It is a most soul-ruining sin. It prevents repentance, keeps people back from Christ, checks brotherly love and nips spiritual concern in the bud. Let us watch against it and be on our guard. Of all clothing, none is so graceful, none wears so well and none is so rare as true humility. 1
Open your Bible and lesson each day by beginning with a word of prayer. Up Close ~ The chart below represents a reader s guide to the contents of this week s lesson. The topical teachings and/or events covered are followed by the primary scriptural text as well as the supportive parallel passages. You will be able to receive and grasp a well-rounded picture of the story narrative in the Gospel harmony by reading every passage. However, using the bolded text as your point of reference (your anchor text) will allow you to determine the facts, lessons, and personal applications necessary to formulate your own conclusions. Teaching / Event Scripture Text Parallel Passages Disciples Argue Over Who is Greatest Matthew 18:1-5 Mark 9:33 37; Luke 9:46 48 Jesus Warns of Offenses Matthew 18:6 9 Mark 9:42 50 Parable of the Lost Sheep Matthew 18:10 14 Dealing with a Sinning Brother Matthew 18:15 20 Jesus Teaches about Forgiveness Matthew 18:21 35 First Impressions: Group Discussion Reflect for a moment on the passages you have just read. Respond by recording your first impressions from your initial reading of the text. Be prepared to share one of your impressions with your discussion group. Heartbeat: Matthew 18:3 NKJV (Memory verse) (Write it out once in the space below. Practice it each time you open your lesson.) Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 2
Part One: Matthew 18:1 14 The Stage is Set After failing to heal the demon-possessed boy and finding themselves at the center of a contentious debate between the Pharisees and Jesus, the competition between the disciples appears somewhat surprising. Perhaps it was fueled by the extraordinary privilege afforded at different times to Peter, James and John, most recently during their time on the Mount of Transfiguration. To cap it off, they weren t allowed to share what had taken place. Whatever started it turned into jostling for position, personal ambition, and selfish desires as they walked on toward Jerusalem. It was most likely to Peter s house that they returned once arriving back in Capernaum. The heated discussion they had engaged in on the road turned into silence. It was Jesus who turned to ask them (Mark 9:33): What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road? 1. Matthew 18:1 states that the disciples asked Jesus: Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? To illustrate His answer, what did He set in the midst of them? a. According to v. 3, what was the heart of His point? b. Was Jesus saying that it was a child who was the greatest? No, rather the spirit of a little child. What do you think He meant by this? c. Give an example of how a person might humble himself/herself like a little child. d. Look up the definition of humility and note it below. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me (v. 5). In a society where children were usually considered second class citizens, Jesus equated receiving one of them with the same willingness to receive Him. Interestingly, the Aramaic language uses the same word for child and servant. The way into God s kingdom is to turn from sin with the spirit of purity and humility that a little child exhibits when he innocently turns in complete trust to someone he loves. Selah... (Pause and think about it.) How does Mark 10:43 45 help you to understand what true greatness really is? 3
2. What does Jesus warn will happen to someone who causes one of these innocent ones to stumble into sin? vv. 6 7 As believers we can expect the world to throw things at us that cause us to slip and fall into sin. However, the sin of causing others to stumble to trip or veer off course is to be regarded very seriously. The analogy of cutting off a limb or gouging out an eye is not meant to be taken literally. The point being, it is better to go into eternity exercising self-denial for the sake of others rather than exercise your personal liberty if it is to another s detriment. 3. What word of warning does Jesus give to those who mess with one of His little ones? What does this tell you about His great love for them? v. 10 Then as if to add a further word of clarity for the sake of anyone who might misunderstand His meaning, Jesus goes onto explain the value of one of His sheep (vv. 11 14). 4. What care does a shepherd exhibit for a single sheep that wanders off? In the same way, what does God do when one of His own falls into sin? Rather than finding fault with a fellow believer or causing one to sin, you should follow Jesus example by going after the wanderer and seeking to restore them. It doesn t mean you approve of sin; rather that you are willing to be a part of the restoration process that God has also extended to you! Part Two: Matthew 18:15 22 Establishing Kingdom Principles Church is intended to be a place where believers come to be spiritually fed and grow up to maturity by maintaining strong faith. It isn t meant to be an arena of competition and personal agendas. It is growing relationships that are based on truth shared in love, helping each other reach our full potential in Christ, and hanging on tightly so no one is left behind. 1. In verses 15 17, Jesus lays out the biblical process for dealing with someone in sin. In your own words, note His instructions in the following... a. v.15: 4
b. v. 16: c. v. 17: The phrase gained a brother in the Greek refers to accumulating wealth. The message conveyed is that we will add treasure to our lives when we become involved in the restoration process. God would have us to set aside our personal feelings, risk being criticized and get involved in restoring a brother or sister in sin. These are the steps Jesus laid out for the church body to use in ministering to one another. Look closer ~ Later on the Apostle Paul wrote of an incident where one of the believers was living in sexual immorality and being allowed to fellowship in the church. Check out 1 Corinthians 5:1 5, and make note of what stands out to you. By the time Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthian church, this same individual that had fallen into sin had repented, severed his relationship and asked for forgiveness. Paul stated that the discipline imposed by the church was sufficient and the believers were to forgive him and receive him back into fellowship. Look at 2 Corinthians 2:6 11, noting your thoughts. The Bible instructs us that it is the goodness of the Lord that leads us to repentance. He will be faithful to go after one of His own that has fallen into sin, and sometimes His goodness involves discipline in order for them to be restored. Three times in verses 18, 19, and 20, Jesus declares that He gives the church the authority to represent Him: For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. 5
Part Three: Matthew 18:21 35 Jesus Teaches on Forgiveness Peter steps forward on his own to ask Jesus, How often do I have to forgive up to seven times? According to Jewish law, the answer was three times. Peter probably felt he was being generous by more than doubling what was customary. He may even have felt pretty proud of himself for being the disciple willing to go the distance! Jesus no doubt took the wind right out of Peter s sails with an answer that addressed what He had just taught about kingdom living and also set the stage for the parable to follow. Read the parable in verses 22 35. The parable before us does not deal with wickedness; rather it was first-century justice. It is comparable to our principles of foreclosure or bankruptcy. Facing the loss of everything he considered valuable, the man simply asked for more time. Instead of being given more time to repay a debt that was so large it was next to impossible to repay, the master forgave the servant completely. The Application: Forgiveness always starts with a willingness on our part to admit we are sinful and cannot make up for what we have done. Our acknowledgement of our inability meets with God s mercy and results in God s grace: forgiveness of our debt of sin. Have you asked for forgiveness? The forgiveness the man in the parable received now obligated him to show the same mercy to others who owed far less than he did; but he did not do likewise, instead he demanded repayment. The Lesson: Whatever debt you will be asked to forgive someone else will pale in comparison to the debt of sin God has forgiven you. Grace for you also means mercy for others. Is there someone you can think of right now you need to forgive rather than judge? Will you do so? The price for an unforgiving heart is anger, bitterness and torment for you. An unforgiving person is unable to rejoice in the joy of their salvation because they are too busy updating their record of wrongs against others. Having an unforgiving spirit does not mean you will lose your salvation, but it does mean losing your peace and your ability to fellowship with other believers. The Lesson: It is when we forgive that we are most like God. You will never be asked to forgive someone for more than God has already forgiven you. What does Ephesians 4:32 say about it? What about Colossians 3:13? One day when you stand before the Lord, you re not going to care about getting justice. You re going to rejoice in the fact that everything the Bible says about mercy applies to you! Aren t you glad that God doesn t count up your sins on a daily basis? King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 19:11 that man s glory is to overlook a transgression. Visualize what he is saying: to forgive is the glory of God at work in your life. How much of His glory is evident in you right now? 6
Behold & Be Transformed What did you see as you beheld God s Son? How does beholding (looking upon) Him, motivate you to change your thoughts, habit, attitude, speech or actions? Pause... What is the most significant lesson you have learned this week? Ponder... How will you put it into practice? Pray... Write out your prayer and be specific. 2012 Janis J. Vance, All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. 7
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