Mat 18:1-14 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 18:1-35: 18:1-35 This fourth major discourse in Matthew (see study note on Matt 5:1–7:29) focuses on responses to the Messiah—acceptance by the disciples and rejection by the Jewish leaders and most of the populace. In light of this growing polarization, Jesus began to instruct his followers on the nature of community life. For a community to live according to Jesus’ standards, it must live with humility (18:1-5 ), sensitivity (18:6-9 ), compassion (18:10-14 ), discipline (18:15-18 ), and forgiveness (18:21-35 ). As with the other discourses, a concluding formula (19:1-2 ) bridges to the next section. 18:1 About that time: Matthew connects the disciples’ questions with the previous discussion concerning the Temple. The disciples began to assume that their new freedom in relation to Jewish authority entitled them to authority of their own. In addition, talk of special revelations (11:25-27 ; 13:11-17 ) and roles of leadership (10:2-4 ; 19:28 ) probably gave rise to jealous comparisons and petty desires for power among the disciples, perhaps revolving around the apparent privilege of Peter (17:25 ) or Peter, James, and John (17:1-3 ).

Summary for Matt 18:1-35: 18:1-35 ^a This fourth major discourse in Matthew (see study note on Matt 5:1–7:29) focuses on responses to the Messiah—acceptance by the disciples and rejection by the Jewish leaders and most of the populace. In light of this growing polarization, Jesus began to instruct his followers on the nature of community life. For a community to live according to Jesus’ standards, it must live with humility (18:1-5 ^b), sensitivity (18:6-9 ^c), compassion (18:10-14 ^d), discipline (18:15-18 ^e), and forgiveness (18:21-35 ^f). As with the other discourses, a concluding formula (19:1-2 ^g) bridges to the next section. 18:1 ^h About that time: Matthew connects the disciples’ questions with the previous discussion concerning the Temple. The disciples began to assume that their new freedom in relation to Jewish authority entitled them to authority of their own. In addition, talk of special revelations (11:25-27 ⁱ; 13:11-17 ^j) and roles of leadership (10:2-4 ^k; 19:28 ^l) probably gave rise to jealous comparisons and petty desires for power among the disciples, perhaps revolving around the apparent privilege of Peter (17:25 ^m) or Peter, James, and John (17:1-3 ⁿ).
18:3 ^o Like little children means to be humble (18:4 ^p). The disciples had been intent on status and ambition.
18:5 ^q Jesus moved the discussion toward solidarity within the community; to welcome a humble follower of Jesus is to welcome Jesus himself (see 10:40-42 ^r).
18:6 ^s To cause one ... to fall into sin is to lead believing children (or possibly believing adults who become “like children”; see 18:3 ^t) to reject Christ and abandon the faith.

• The designation little ones emphasizes their humility (5:3-12 ^u; 18:4 ^v; 19:13-15 ^w).

• Though the thought of being drowned with a large millstone around the neck is frightful, Jesus warned that causing another to fall away will bring far greater misery (18:7 ^x; 26:24 ^y; Rev 18:21 ^z; see Matt 22:13 ^aa).
Summary for Matt 18:8-9: 18:8-9 ^ab Concern shifts to the individual: Get rid of whatever causes you to sin (see 5:29-30 ^ac; Col 3:5-17 ^ad).
18:10 ^ae Don’t look down on them, either by refusing to receive them (18:5-6 ^af) or by refusing to give pastoral care when needed (18:12-14 ^ag; see 19:13-15 ^ah).

• their angels: See 4:5-7 ^ai; Heb 1:14 ^aj.
18:12 ^ak Just as a shepherd will work to recover a lost sheep, the “little ones” (18:6 ^al) must not be despised or neglected.
18:14 ^am The shepherd’s joy is also the joy of the Father; the purpose of pastoral care is so God will not lose any of his sheep.