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Embracing Humility: Lessons from Little Ones in Matthew 18

This insightful exploration of Matthew 18 emphasizes the importance of humility, innocence, and teachability as we strive to become like little children in our faith. It discusses how to build up believers, the seriousness of sin, and the need for extreme measures to avoid it. The teachings remind us of God’s unparalleled mercy, the joy in bringing back the lost, and the imperative to forgive generously. With a deep dive into Scripture, we learn how to respect, restore, and support each other in our spiritual journey.

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Embracing Humility: Lessons from Little Ones in Matthew 18

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  1. Lessons FromLittle Ones Matthew 18

  2. I. Become Like Them, 1-5

  3. Our goal: maturity(“I’m not a child”) “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” – Ro.12:16 Ancient world: child = non-person. Receive one = receive Christ. Jesus: revert (be a child) – conversion Humble Teachable Innocent

  4. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7

  5. Little child (1-5) = Believer(6) God’s permission Satan’s hatred Our evil choice • Handle with care • Do not cause one to sin • Punishment • Sea, Rv.21:1 • Lake, Rv.20:15 • Offenses must come

  6. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7 III. Bless Yourself, 8-9

  7. Extreme measures Avoid sin at all cost. Sacrifice most cherished things. • Sinful hand . . . foot . . . eye (8-9) • Warning –

  8. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7 III. Bless Yourself, 8-9 IV. Bless Little Ones, 10

  9. Do not despise one . . . ONE non-person: 1smallest number 2lowliest person • Look down on someone with contempt (as object of little value) • Angels care • Father cares (14, 19, 35). Isa.37:22-23

  10. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7 III. Bless Yourself, 8-9 IV. Bless Little Ones, 10 V. Bring Them Back, 12-35

  11. Jesus, the loving Shepherd 1. Shepherd’s journey, 12 2. Shepherd’s joy, 13 • Sheep should not wander – A. No offensive / defensive weapons; no speed; no armor. B. Directionally challenged. C. Surrounded by enemies; nature.

  12. Concern of Shepherd / Father 1. Shepherd’s journey, 12 2. Shepherd’s joy, 13 3. Father’s joy, 14-20 (Lk.15) Gain brother (1 Pt.3:1) and self “So”– Father’s will: do not lose one, 14 • Seek stubborn brother, 15-20 Goal –

  13. Math or Mercy? (21-22) • Peter grants necessity of forgiveness • Issue: is there a limit? • Three times seems enough • Seven times seems generous • Jesus: throw away calculator

  14. Math or Mercy? (21-22) • Verse 24 • 10,000: largest Greek number • Talent: largest unit of currency • 10,000 T: 60 million days’ wages • One Talent: 20 years’wages • Laborer: $15.00/hr., 2000 hrs./year: $30,000 . . . One Talent: $600,000 • 10,000 Talents: $6 billion • Correct answer: parable (23-35)

  15. Arithmetic or mercy? (21-22) • Verse 28 • 100 denarii: about 20 weeks’ wages • Laborer: $15.00/hr., 2000 hrs./year: $12,000 • Correct answer: parable (23-35)

  16. Lessons: The rest is commentary • Imitate (3-5) • Edify (6-10) • Respect (10) • Restore (11-14) • Gain (15-20) • Forgive (21-35)

  17. Commentary (1) • God: unparalleled mercy, unbelievable torture (34) • Jesus sees nothing strange in such extremes: mercy & wrath • We owe debt that we cannot pay • If forgiven, we owe another debt . . .

  18. Commentary (2) • God: unparalleled mercy, unbelievable torture (34) • Sinner: received incredible act of mercy, but gave no mercy • Beware mistreating one child, believer, sinner, debtor. Mt.25:40, 45 • God is perfect example, Ep.4:32-5:2 • His forgiveness is conditional • “I can forgive but I can’t forget” ? ?

  19. Commentary (3) • God: unparalleled mercy, unbelievable torture (34) • Sinner: received incredible act of mercy, but gave no mercy • Saint: receives incredible act of mercy, and gives mercy • Our job is forgiving, not misgiving about anyone’s sincerity, Lk.17:3-4

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