"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"
Chapter Eighteen
Answering a question by His disciples, Jesus taught the need for
child-like humility and the danger of offenses to others and to self
(1-9), followed with the parable of the lost sheep (10-14). Further
instructions included how to deal with a sinning brother (15-20) and the
need for a forgiving heart illustrated by the parable of the unforgiving
servant (21-35).
POINTS TO PONDER
* The need for humility, and concern for others in the kingdom
* Dealing with a sinning brother, and the importance of forgiveness
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Kingdom greatness and the danger of offenses - Mt 18:1-9
- The parable of the lost sheep - Mt 18:10-14
- Discipline and prayer - Mt 18:15-20
- The parable of the unforgiving servant - Mt 18:21-35
2) Who will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (1-5)
- Those who are converted and humble themselves like a little child
3) How old was the little child that Jesus used as an example? (6)
- Old enough to believe, old enough to sin
4) What types of offenses does Jesus warn against? (6-9)
- Being an offense to believing children, and letting personal
weakness cause you to sin
5) What parable illustrates the Father’s concern for the lost? (12-14)
- The parable of the lost sheep
6) In dealing with a sinning brother, what steps should be taken?
(15-18)
- Go and tell the brother his fault between you and him alone
- If that doesn’t work, take one or two more with you to serve as
witnesses
- If that doesn’t work, tell it to the church
- If that doesn’t work, then no longer associate with him
7) What increases the likelihood that God will answer prayer? (19-20)
- When two or three pray together
8) How many times should we be willing to forgive a brother? (21-22)
- Up to seventy times seven (490); cf. seven times in one day, Lk
17:3-4
9) What grave warning is in the parable of the unforgiving servant? (33)
- "So My heavenly Father also will do to you..."