Coming of the King: Week 38

Matthew 18:1-20: The Greatest in the Kingdom

• 18:3 "become like children" - this does not mean become immature and throw temper tantrums, or to "enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born". John 3:3-5
• 18:4 "humbles himself" - it means to accept that you are a "newbie" in the Kingdom, and be willing to learn how to serve the King. 1 Peter 2:2 1 Timothy 3:6
• 18:5 "welcomes a little child" - here and in following verses, there is a kind of dual meaning - both literal and figurative. Children and discipleship are prime directives of the Kingdom.
• 18:6 "causes to stumble" - whether a new believer or a small child. 1 Corinthians 8:11
• 18:8 "if your hand cause you to sin" - don't mess around. If alcohol causes you to sin, don't keep a few beers in the fridge for friends. Hebrews 12:4 This reiterates the same principle in Matthew 5:29-30
• 18:10 "their angels" - yes, Jesus speaks of guardian angels. Do not look down on little children, or on new believers.
• 18:14 "not willing that any of these little ones should perish".

Disputes in the Kingdom

• 18:15 "privately" - this is not a new principle. Proverbs 25:9
• 18:18 Earthly actions have heavenly consequences.
• 18:20 "where two or three are gathered" - the meaning depends on your idea of faith. If "faith" is an impersonal force, then the two or three are combining their power. If our faith is in the Ruler of Heaven and Earth, then the two or three can be compared to presenting a petition to the government. But, if our faith is in our Father who is in Heaven, then when two or three of His children are joined by their elder brother when they ask a boon of their loving Father.