Verses 1-4 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
It is normal human behavior in most cultures to want to be first in line, first to win a race, first to be chosen, first to receive an award, first to play ball, first to be promoted, first on the road, first to grasp a new concept, and so forth. The disciples wanted to know who was the greatest, more than likely because they wanted to know which one of their group was number one in the opinion of Jesus. In the Kingdom of God, things are backwards to the way mankind likes them to be. In Chapter 16 of Matthew Jesus taught that a person had to lose their life to find it. That seems very backward until the spiritual meaning is understood. Remember that the Kingdom of Heaven is a spiritual kingdom and not a physical one. Losing the physical life means to deny oneself the things of this Earth and to follow Jesus (which in some cases results in persecution and physical death) for the benefit of the spiritual things and eternal life of Heaven. People usually take pride in growing up in knowledge and in stature and in becoming adults rather than being children. But in God’s kingdom, children are elevated above adults. Why? Because they are humble. This makes them the “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Children don’t need to be first. They are just happy being somewhere and doing something. They learn to be selfish and self-glorifying from watching adult behavior! Children are trusting. It is not hard for a child to trust in Jesus, but adults have greater difficulty surrendering their will to the LORD as they want control over every detail of life instead of allowing God to control the details of their life. Children are honest with their emotions. They learn to hide them as they grow into adulthood. They are not afraid to cry or to laugh. Adults pretend all is well when it isn’t and they often forget how to laugh. Children are satisfied with what they have and enjoy what they have. They learn to covet as they grow into adulthood. In the adult world, more is better even though it cannot be taken to the grave and into eternity. Children want to learn. Many Christian believers stop learning about the LORD and about His Word as they do not want to spend the time it takes to gain spiritual knowledge. Children have faith. They do not question that their parents will be there all the time to feed and to care for them. Adults often have difficulty believing that God will supply all their needs. A case in point is the true story of a young boy that lived in a drought stricken area. The members of his church came together to pray to God for rain. When the little boy arrived with his parents, he was carrying an umbrella and wearing galoshes. “Why did you bring an umbrella?” he was asked as the sky was cloudless and the day was hot. “So I won’t get wet when it rains” was his answer. Of all the people there to pray and ask God for rain, the young boy was the only one that had faith enough to really believe it would rain and he demonstrated his faith by bringing an umbrella and by wearing waterproof galoshes. The church prayed and it did rain, but one has to believe that the prayer was answered because of the faith of this child.
Application: Jesus stated that a person has to first convert (change) and then become like a little child in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The Christian believer cannot continue to live in pride (having an excessively high opinion of oneself and one’s importance) but must be humble, placing the LORD on the throne. He/she must learn to let others be first and to serve others. He/she must learn to trust God for everything, must learn to be honest with both people and with the LORD, must learn to be satisfied with what they have and with what God places in their hands, and must learn to exercise faith in the power of God and in His will for their lives.
The following verses extending through verse 14 can be read in a light or matter of fact manner, and it may seem that verses 7-9 do not fit with verses 5-6 and 10-14. But in the light of the revelation of the world wide child trafficking and pedophilia criminal cabal, the DUMBs (deep underground military bases) that are located throughout the world where little children have been kept imprisoned and treated in ways that this writer will not discuss here in this study of God’s word, the following verses have become clearer and this writer believes Jesus was/is addressing the inhumane treatment of children and not just the unkind mistreatment that often occurs in families in the local community. Don’t be confused. Injuring a child’s mental or emotional being by repeated unkind and demeaning words or punishing a child harshly for childish misbehavior will also be judged by God. Furthermore, those men and women who have decided or who will decide to murder their unborn baby through the process of abortion on demand will, if they remain unrepentant, also have to answer to God.
Verses 5-6 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Historically, verse 6 above has been taken literally and sodomites and child molesters have been marched out onto a pier, had a rope tied around their necks with a very heavy millstone attached to the other end, and the stone has been heaved over the side of the pier, dragging the guilty persons into the water to drown. Jesus is saying that death is preferable to His displeasure at mistreatment of a child.
Verse 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
The Greek word translated as “woe” is “ouai” and it means alas and is an expression of grief. The Greek word translated as “world” is “kosmos” from which comes the English word, cosmos, and it means many things: order, government, the arrangement of the stars or the heavenly hosts, the circle of the earth, the inhabitants of the earth, the human race, the ungodly multitude alienated from God, and so on. The Greek word translated as “offences” is “skandalon” and it means a stumbling block and it is most likely the origin of the English word, scandal, the definition being an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage. Jesus is including the whole world as being involved in the offences and He also predicted that these offences would, indeed that they must come or must occur. Why? Because mankind is basically wicked and full of sinful thoughts and sinful actions. So the man involved in child mistreatment of any kind will be answerable to God Almighty. It is God who opens the womb and allows a new life to come forth. That new life belongs to God. To hurt a baby or a child is to hurt that which belongs to God, and His judgement and wrath will be upon the individual who is guilty of the offences.
Verses 8-9 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
This writer has had many lesbian friends and co-workers who reported that they became lesbians in their adult life, not because of the women in their lives, but because of repeated sexual assault by fathers, brothers, uncles, or male neighbors during their childhood years. Although women may be involved also, it appears that men are more likely to be responsible for this sin against children. This writer has also cared for abused children who were deliberately injured by their mothers who should have been the ones protecting their children. This writer has watched a co-worker’s baby boy be taken off a ventilator to die because of what is commonly called “shaking baby syndrome”. The father of the infant was annoyed at his crying and shook him so violently that the baby’s brain slammed against its skull bones and the baby had such severe brain injury that it was diagnosed as brain dead and unable to live outside of life-support. When engaged in such behavior and acts, the person, man or woman, is unable to be part of the Kingdom of God and is therefore a walking dead man/woman in that upon physical death, he/she will be judged and cast into Hell by a righteous God. The child upon whom the pedophile or violent acts are performed is also caused to engage in sexual sin or violence and can be so traumatized that he/she often cannot consider a relationship with God. So Jesus is emphasizing in the verses above that if a man cannot control the lust of his eyes so that he becomes a predator of little children and a pedophile, or if the man cannot control his violent nature, it would be better to cause self-inflicted blindness or maiming so that he cannot be tempted to sin against both the child and God. Since the Bible is written in the masculine tense, it is often difficult to determine is Jesus’ words are directed at men only. But since the Scripture teaches that each individual is responsible for their own sins, it can be concluded that any sin against children committed by a woman would be viewed by Jesus in the same manner as reported in the verses in this chapter.
Verse 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus warns not to despise children. The Greek word translated as “despise” is “kataphroneo” and it means to disdain or to think little or nothing of. Pedophiles see children as having no personal value. They are disposable commodities designed for the pedophiles’ pleasure. Since child trafficking nets more money than drug trafficking in today’s corrupt and wicked world, the economic windfall to the cabals is proof that they view children as mere commodities to be used for financial gain. God is not happy with the situation. But each child has an angel who is reporting back to God about everything that happens with and to that child, and God will respond with judgement in His good timing.
Verses 11-13 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
There has always been mistreatment of children, but why is it so rampant today? Perhaps because the Church has failed to preach the hard truths of the Gospel, has failed to condemn and fight against government sanctioned rules and procedures that violate the commandments of God, has failed to go into the highways and byways to share the Gospel with the unsaved, and has basically allowed government sponsored social programs to guild society’s paths and progress. Think about it.
Once again, Jesus uses an agricultural or farming story to make a point the people will understand. No sheep owner wants to lose an animal. It loses them money that they have worked hard for. So of course the owner or his servants would go and look for the lost animal and be very happy when it was found. Jesus is the Shepherd of His people, the Church. He came to provide a way for those who are called and chosen to become part of His flock and to receive everlasting life. Each person is precious and He will seek after each person who is spiritually lost but who is predestined to be saved from sin, death and Hell. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all”. Isaiah 53:6
Verse 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Often when parents lose a child for any reason, they blame God or they question how a good God can let something bad happen to their son or daughter. The verse above shows clearly that God does not want any child to pass from this life. It is not God that causes the physical loss of a child, but it is the fallen world in which mankind dwells, the sin nature of mankind that causes hurt to others, and Satan and his fallen angels or devils that cause the hurt and the pain all mankind experiences at some point in life. The three enemies of all mankind are the flesh, the world, and the Devil.
Application: Many verses in Scripture have two meanings. The proper way to read a verse is “first the natural meaning and then the spiritual meaning”. The natural meaning is considered first because there may not be a spiritual meaning attached to the verse. Taking a verse out of context and applying a spiritual meaning to it is wrong and it is one way that false churches have developed incorrect doctrine. The above verse can be rendered to have a spiritual meaning: God does not want any child to leave this world and perish spiritually in the next.
The next few verses deal with resolving conflict both in the Church and outside of the Church.
Verse 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
If there is a problem between two people, the person feeling harmed or injured is to go to the person who has caused the harm or injury and confront that person privately. This is not to be done in anger or in a revengeful manner. A brother will not be gained if the person doing the confronting is rude, unkind, and unloving.
Application: If the person being confronted is a Christian believer, that person should behave in a Christian manner and listen and considered what is being expressed or explained. If the person being confronted is not a believer, a Christian approach may be just the witness that is needed for that person to consider Jesus and the Gospel. Never confront someone in anger as any Christian witness will be lost.
Verse 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
If after a private talk nothing is resolved, witnesses may be asked to go with the injured or harmed person to confront the person causing the problem. Today, families often enter into conflict resolution with a counselor of some kind when dealing with a person in the family that is involved with risky or injurious behavior such as using drugs, drinking in excess, or using domestic violence. Just having others observe the discussion or dialogue can encourage the person with the problem to listen to and consider what is being expressed by the person doing the confronting.
Application: In the Church, gossip is not acceptable. If after speaking privately with a person nothing changes or is resolved, pastors and church leaders can and should be consulted with the problem and they should arrange to go and confront the offender with the offended. Allowing a person who is sinning against God and against another member of a church to remain in their sin and in the congregation can lead to other difficulties in the church body. The offending person needs to repent and ask both God and the church members for forgiveness and to stop doing what lead to the problem in the first place. A believer who has been harmed or injured should act like Jesus and not go and tell friends and family all about the problem as this can result in people taking sides and a possible split in the congregation may ocurr as a result. Jesus laid out this plan for conflict resolution to avoid problems in the Church that can harm Christian witness and the message of the Gospel
Verses 17-18 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The final step for conflict resolution in the Church is to take the problem to the members of the congregation in an effort to cause the offending person to repent. The whole purpose of this method is to restore the sinning person back into a right relationship with the LORD and with the believers and to right the wrong. This third step may not be possible outside of the church environment, depending of the circumstances. But as much as is possible, these steps should be taken by the Christian believer in and outside of the church because Jesus said to do it this way and His ways are superior to man’s ways.
Verse 18 above is a promise. It means that the Christian believer’s prayers or words spoken in and with the authority of the Holy Ghost/Spirit will get results. If the believer binds and/or casts out devils on the Earth, Heaven will agree. If the believer commands cancer cells to die when praying for the sick, Heaven will agree. If the believer rebukes sin, Heaven will agree. Think about that!
Verses 19-20 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Just in case the apostles did not understand what Jesus said, He repeated the promise from verse 18 above but phrased it a little differently. This promise is for all Christian believers today and in the future. Believers are not powerless. They have the Spirit/Holy Ghost of Jesus dwelling in them and therefore can act upon the promises of the LORD with an expectant attitude.
Application: When entering into the church building and gathering with other saints, do not forget that Jesus promises to be there. Remember to be respectful and acknowledge His presence. Too often the attitude of believers when in church is more of meeting friends and family at a restaurant or a ball game. Although it is great to socialize with fellow believers, it should not be forgotten that in each church building or home Bible study group Jesus is there. He is the Creator of all things, the Savior, the King, the great High Priest, the Almighty God. If believers entered a place and saw a political leader or a member of a royal family in the room, conversation and behavior might be more reverent and respectful. Shouldn’t it be the same for the presence of the LORD Jesus Christ? Think about it.
Verses 21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
The number 7 represents divine perfection. There are three sevens in the verses above. Remember that 3 is the number of perfection. So even though Jesus is making a point with these numbers, it does not mean that after a person has been forgiven 490 times, he no longer needs to be forgiven for the 491 sin. Jesus is saying that there is no limit to the number of times a person needs to forgive another person for their sin. After all, Jesus did not set a limit of forgiving sinful mankind, but went to the cross to become the final blood sacrifice for mankind’s sin.
Verses 23-27 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
In Israel, it has been said that a talent of silver weighed approximately 100 pounds and that a talent of gold weighed approximately 200 pounds. The servant referenced above owed a lot of money to the king. There really was no way that this servant could repay that large a debt.
Application: Just like the servant in the story told by Jesus, all mankind owes a large debt to Jesus. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” There is really no way that any person can live a sinless life and therefore, should be condemned to both physical death and spiritual death and eternity in Hell because of that sin. But Jesus, like the fictitious king above, has compassion and has forgiven the debt of sin and provided a way for forgiveness and for life eternal in Heaven through the shedding of His blood on the cross.
Verses 28-30 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
The servant who was forgiven much by the king failed to forgive another who owed him a pence which was about the pay for a day’s wages. Jesus was making a point to Peter that since he had received much forgiveness from God, he needed to forgive others.
Verses 31-35 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18)
Application: Jesus’ statement in verse 35 is a promise. Too many Christian believers are holding onto memories of wrongs from others that need to be forgiven and forgotten and are holding onto grudges that are causing bitterness. Asking the LORD to reveal any unforgiveness on the part of the believer will allow for a purposeful act of forgiving those that have injured or harmed in any way. “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:26