Matthew 18:1-20— True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but
humility like that of a little child. The greatness of child-like faith
receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart
from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is
humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”
(Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the
sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in
Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God.
Since we have been reconciled to God through Christ
Jesus, the Christian life is one that strives for reconciliation with our
fellow man. If our brother sins against us, we will try to restore him
privately.
Jesus says “you” in verse 15. Who is “you?” You may be an individual Christian or “you”
may refer to a gathering of Christians namely the Church. It is worthy to note
that this passage does not deal with the one who sinned but with the victim of
sin. He who is sinned against is to take the initiative to get the matter
settled. One who thinks the guilty one ought to settle accounts, but the sinner
may not consider himself to be in the wrong.
The victim is to show the sinner what harm he has done and an
understanding needs to be reached that the Christian fellowship may not be
disrupted by personal tensions.
Reconciliation takes effort and sometimes struggle.
You need to ask yourself is there a rift between myself and someone else? What
is the cause of this tension? Am I culpable? Am I willing to take the first
step towards reconciliation? If it is to be will it be me?
In your prayers today read through Psalm 130. May this prayer
guide you throughout the day.
Prayer for
Psalm 130: God of might and compassion, you sent your Word into the world as a
watchman to announce the dawn of salvation. Do not leave us in the depths of
our sins, but listen to your Church pleading for the fullness of your redeeming
grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer for Psalm 130, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY
Image: copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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