Footnotes:
18:1-4 - Jesus teaches about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing humility as an essential characteristic for being great before God. He calls upon a child to illustrate the purity and humility necessary for the Kingdom (see also Mark 9:33-37 and Luke 9:46-48).
18:6-9 - Jesus sternly warns against scandal and temptation to fall. The emphasis is on caring for the little ones, indicating that any action that leads someone to sin should be avoided at all costs (see also Mark 9:42-50 and Luke 17:1-2).
18:15-17 - The teaching on church discipline instructs believers to correct one another with love and respect, and the importance of resolving conflicts privately before involving the community (see also Galatians 6:1 and 1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
18:18-20 - Jesus assures the church that it has the authority to forgive and bind or loose on earth what has already been decided in heaven. This demonstrates the Christian community's responsibility to maintain purity and unity (see also John 20:23 and 2 Corinthians 2:5-11).
18:21-22 - When Peter asks about forgiveness, Jesus responds that we should forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven, highlighting God's infinite mercy and the need for continual forgiveness (see also Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13).
Verses related to São Mateus, 18:
Matthew chapter 18 addresses the principles of the Kingdom of God. How should we live in community? Jesus teaches about humility, using a child as an example, and warns against scandal. The chapter includes the parable of the lost sheep, instructions on church discipline, and the power of forgiveness, illustrated by the parable of the unmerciful servant. These fundamental teachings shape the Kingdom ethics and interpersonal relationships of Christ's followers. Consider with us five biblical passages that illuminate the eternal principles presented in this transformative chapter.
Luke 17:3-4: "Be careful: If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." - This parallel passage expands on Jesus' teaching on forgiveness found in Matthew 18:21-22.
John 20:23: "If you forgive someone's sins, they will be forgiven; If you don't forgive them, you won't be forgiven." - This verse relates to the power of "binding and loosing" mentioned in Matthew 18:18 in the context of forgiveness and church discipline.
1 Corinthians 5:4-5: "When you are gathered together in the name of our Lord Jesus, I being with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus Christ also being present, hand this man over to Satan, that his body may be destroyed, and his spirit may be saved on the day of Sir." - Paul applies the principle of church discipline taught by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17.
Psalms 34:7: "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." - This Old Testament verse relates to Jesus' warning in Matthew 18:10 about the "little child" angels.
Ezekiel 34:16: "I will look for the lost sheep, I will bring back the lost one, I will bandage the wounded one, and I will strengthen the sick one, but I will destroy the strong and fat ones. I will feed them with justice." - This Old Testament prophecy relates to the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:12-14.
FAQ:
What did Jesus teach about forgiveness?
Jesus taught that we should forgive our brothers "seventy times seven," that is, without limits, showing the importance of continuous and unconditional forgiveness. (Matthew 18:21-22)
What does it mean to be like a child in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Jesus said that whoever does not become like a child, humble and simple, will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. True greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in humility. (Matthew 18:3)
What to do when someone sins against you?
Jesus taught that if someone sins against you, you should go and rebuke them privately, and if they do not repent, bring more witnesses or tell the church. (Matthew 18:15-17)
What does the parable of the lost sheep mean?
Jesus said that if a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one gets lost, he will go after it until he finds it, illustrating the value of each person and the joy of repentance. (Matthew 18:12-14)
How does Jesus teach us to deal with Church leaders?
Jesus taught that if a Church leader or brother repents, we should welcome him with joy and restore him. Church discipline should aim at restoration, not punishment. (Matthew 18:18-20)
