Matthew – Page 11 – Be Still…

Matthew 18:21-35 – Unlimited Forgiveness

I love it when Jesus uses parables to convey his intention or direction for our lives. This one is really something. After talking about how to handle it when someone sins against us in our last text , Peter rightfully asks the question, “How many times should we forgive?”

What was Jesus response? 70×7. 490 times! I’m not sure who would even keep track. That was just a crazy amount to show us we need to forgive. Period. We shouldn’t try to quantify it or keep score. Then Jesus told the story.

Matthew 18:15-20 – You’re Wrong!

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus knew that we would be mean to one another. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes by accident. From reading this passage, I assume Jesus does not want us to be at odds with each other. He has given us a system to use to make amends with our friends, family, and whoever has done us wrong. Have you ever used this system?

Certainly, Jesus doesn’t want us to be accusatory and heated in our encounters. He wants us to handle this in private. Granted, we don’t necessarily know what’s going on behind closed doors when the confrontation takes place. But we do know that Jesus wants us to confront the one who has sinned against us and let them know we are hurt. I may be reading between the lines, but I think this encounter is meant to be our first attempt at reconciliation.

Matthew 18:1-14 – Child-like Ways

Read Matthew 18:1-14

I heard something the other day. It takes us a year or two to learn to talk and another sixty years to learn how to shut up! That might be a little harsh. We have also heard that children should be seen and not heard. Rubbish in my opinion. We would miss out on so many delightful things that only children without filters can come up with. If only I had written down some of the adorable things my children have said.

Jesus was also a fan of children. One of my favorite images of Jesus is when he is sitting with a crowd of children all around him. They are hanging on to every word he says. We need to be more like that. Even Jesus thinks so.

Matthew 17:22-28 – Taxes

Read Matthew 17:22-28

Bank Note Money Us-dollar Dollar Currency Seem

Can you imagine what it would be like to have your friend tell you he was going to be killed? It would be hard to wrap your head around. People don’t often talk like that. We spend our lives trying to prolong life, look younger, get fit and trim, eat healthy, etc. Talking about dying is almost a forbidden topic.

This is the second time Jesus brings it up. He’s preparing them for what is to come. His disciples are grieving already. They must feel like they are just getting to know Jesus. It’s not fair he’ll be taken away so soon. They will certainly not be blindsided when the time does come.

Matthew 17:14-21 – Not Enough Faith

Read Matthew 17:14-21

Have you ever attended a Bible conference or an especially moving worship concert? You are then familiar with the “high” you feel from having spent some serious time in God’s holy presence. You may feel like you have a superpower. You may see everything in a beautiful light. You are certainly in a place of calm, expectant hope, with the joy of the Lord overflowing.

Then you step back into reality. There are bills to pay. There are meetings to attend. It may be time to go back to work and face that stress. The dose of reality waiting for you after your “mountaintop experience” can be especially cruel and abrupt. So, too, for Jesus and his disciples today as they came down from the mountain. A situation had arisen that needed Jesus’ attention.