"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 (1-11), followed with the parable of the lost sheep (12-14). 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
REVIEW QUESTIONS
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  1. What are the main points of this chapter?
    - Kingdom greatness and the danger of offenses - Mt 18:1-11
    - The parable of the lost sheep - Mt 18:12-14
    - 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..."