45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18: Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Overview of The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a former tax collector, called by Jesus to follow Him. His Gospel is believed to have been written between 50-70 AD, and it is the first book in the New Testament, even though it may not have been the first Gospel written. Matthew’s account emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, highlighting Jesus’ royal and Jewish heritage. It then moves into the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, His baptism by John the Baptist, and the start of His ministry.

Mary and her husband Joseph were both from the lineage of King David.  Matthew 1:17  “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.”  Matthew tells of a prophetic word that told of Jesus’ birth.  

Matthew 1:23  “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  It is interesting to note that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because of her pregnancy.  But an angel came to him and verified that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost.  Therefore, Joseph stayed married to Mary and did not consummate the marriage until Jesus Christ was born. 

Note: Jesus Christ is a name translated in the English versions. It is accepted by God. For this purpose these studies are on the English speaking version.   Philippians 2:9 KJV  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name:”  There are many names people call Jesus but it is only one name to be saved by. If you mispronounce other names (thinking that is the original name) then you are not calling on the Lord. 

It is known that what we pronounce today is not the way it was pronounced then.  Develop a personal relationship with the Lord and you will know he answers to the name name  Jesus Christ (the blood sacrifice).  He is the God of the living.  Psalms 100:3 KJV ³ Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

The Gospel of Matthew is known for including many of Jesus’ key teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about love, humility, prayer, and the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, showing His divine authority.

Matthew also places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ role as a teacher and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He frequently references the Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life and mission align with what was foretold about the Messiah. The Gospel also includes Jesus’ parables, teachings on discipleship, and warnings about the final judgment.

The story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. Matthew ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the message of salvation.

In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the King of all nations, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world.

Note From Editor: The name “Jesus Christ” is an English translation, and it is accepted by God. Philippians 2:9 KJV  says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” People call Jesus by many praise names, but only one name is called upon for salvation by English speaking people and that is Jesus Christ. If you mispronounce other names thinking they are the original, you might not be calling on the Lord.

Language has changed over time, but when you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will know that the name  Jesus Christ, the Savior is accepted by God.  The Holy spirit bears witness. Jesus gave His life for us.  Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the Lord, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” 

 

Keywords:  #faithasbigasamustard seed,  #jesustransformation, #nothingimpossible,  #jesusisthesonofgod, #jesusispredestined,  #jesuswarnsthedisciple, #godovertradition, #godoverculture, #jesusheals, #whatdefilesaman, #honorthymotherandfather, #gospel, #jesusislord, #jesuspreaches, #temptations, #trials, #baptismofjesuschrist, #repent, #kingdomofheaven, #healing, #preaching, crucifixion, #resurrection, #disciplesofallnations.#gospel, #offerofsalvation, #blessed, #faith, #believe, #prophecy, #prophecies, #eprayercircle, #jesusislord, #prophecies, #treasureofheaven, #giftofgod, #spiritoftruth,  #eternallife,  #salvationisfree, #45daychallenge,   #worthyisthelamb, #godoftheliving, #freebiblestudy, #freebibleclassses,

 

 

45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18: Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Overview of the Gospel of Matthew Chapter Eighteen

In this lesson on Matthew 18, we explore important teachings from Jesus about humility, forgiveness, and how to handle offenses within the Christian community.

First, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus responds by teaching them that humility is key, explaining that those who humble themselves like a little child are the greatest in God’s kingdom (Matthew 18:4).

Jesus also warns the disciples about the importance of not causing harm or offense to children or new believers. He emphasizes that leading them astray is a serious offense and gives a strong warning about the consequences of doing so (Matthew 18:6).  “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck, and that he was drowned in the depth of the sea.”

The chapter further outlines how to deal with conflicts between believers. How to deal with an offensive sibling.  Matthew 18: 15-17 KJV 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. ¹⁶But 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. ¹⁷And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. 

Lastly, Jesus shares the parable of the unforgiving servant, teaching the importance of forgiving others just as God forgives us. The parable shows that if we refuse to forgive others, we risk losing God’s forgiveness as well (Matthew 18:35).  The parable of the king who forgave the servant’s debt but the servant would not forgive a person who owed him so the King changed his mind to not forgive the servant,  Matthew 18:35   “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

By the end of this lesson, students will understand the importance of humility, how to address conflicts biblically, and why forgiveness is essential in our walk with Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.

 

Objectives for  Chapter 18 -The Gospel of Matthew.  What you will learn:

You will understand Jesus’ teaching on humility and why those who humble themselves like a child are considered the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

You will learn the importance of protecting children and new believers, and the serious consequences of causing them harm or leading them astray.

You will explore the steps Jesus outlines for handling conflicts with others, including private correction, involving witnesses, and bringing unresolved issues to the church.

You will understand the parable of the unforgiving servant and the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us.

 

Outline for Chapter 18 of the Gospel of  Matthew 

 1.  Jesus exhorts his disciples to humility,  to avoid offenses.

 2.   Do not despise the children

 3.  Deal with an offensive brother and how often to forgive him.

 4.  The parable of the king who servant’s debt.

 

Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.

Jesus teaches us to forgive our siblings 70 x 7 times for offenses. Do you have a sister or brother, or maybe a friend who feels like family? How many times have you forgiven them when they’ve wronged you? How do you usually work through disagreements with them?

Resources For This Lesson

Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video (Total time:  ) Part One and Part Two.

See “Chapter 18 Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.

 

Objectives for  Chapter 18 -The Gospel of Matthew.  What you will learn:

 

 1.  You will learn why Jesus exhorts his disciples to humility.

¹At the same time came to the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ²And Jesus called a little child unto him and set him in the midst of them, ³And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

 

 

 2.  You will learn why Jesus warns the disciples to not despise the children.

 ⁶But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it was better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck, and that he was drowned in the depth of the sea.  ⁸Wherefore 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. 

⁹And if thine eye offends 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. ¹⁰Take 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. ¹¹For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

 ¹²How think ye? if a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he does not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? ¹³And 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. ¹⁴Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. 

 

 3.  You will learn how to deal with an offensive sibling. 

 ¹⁵Moreover 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. ¹⁶But 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. ¹⁷And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.

¹⁹Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. ²¹Then came to Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ²²Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 

 

 4.  You will learn the parable of the king who took account of his servant’s debt.

²³Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. ²⁴And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. ²⁵But 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.

 ²⁶The servant, therefore, fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.   ²⁷Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. ²⁸But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 

²⁹And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and sought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ²⁹And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and sought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ³⁰And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. ³¹So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

 ³²Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desired me: ³³Should, not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? ³⁴And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

Interactive Quiz

 

 

 

 

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Call to salvation:

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-10  9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. 

John 3:5-6  5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.