Jesus after showing His power now applies some practical everyday teaching for His disciples.
Matthew 18: Who Is the Greatest?
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them
3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Temptations to Sin
7 "Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.
9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
11
12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?
13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.
14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
If Your Brother Sins Against You
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'
29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'
30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.
31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.
32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'
34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.
35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Matthew 19: Teaching About Divorce
1 Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.
2 And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?"
4 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?"
8 He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery."
10 The disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry."
11 But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.
12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it."
Let the Children Come to Me
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people,
14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
The Rich Young Man
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"
17 And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments."
18 He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,
19 Honour your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself."
20 The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?"
21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27 Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 20: Labourers in the Vineyard
1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard.
2 After agreeing with the labourers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.'
5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'
7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.'
8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the labourers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.'
9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.
10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.
11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,
12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'
13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.
15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'
16 So the last will be first, and the first last."
Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death
19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."
A Mother's Request
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."
22 Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able."
23 He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."
24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"
31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"
32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"
33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened."
34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
Things to think about…
1. Never be confused about the ‘faith of a child’ passage, Mt 18:1-6. Jesus means that we are to trust Him like a child with simplicity and an open heart that accepts the word of God in all things. It does not mean that we behave like children and remain in spiritual ignorance or immaturity. A good verse to address this comes from Paul “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways”, 1Cor 13:11. I am amazed and humbled by the work of Destiny Rescue who deliver children out of child sex slavery. I always like their posts whenever children are set free from such evil. Jesus says the judgement upon their captors is worse than having a milestone tied around the neck and then to be thrown into the sea. Lord deliver our children from evil! A note to those who believe in annihilationism: - having a milestone around your neck sounds worse than being annihilated at the judgement. Jesus however says the milestone around the neck is to be preferred, rather than undergoing judgement. Hell is both certain and frightful. Both Annihilationism and Universal Salvation are doctrines of the devil, no question.
2. In Mt 18:7-9 Christ teaches on the temptation to sin and the requirement to cut off the offending member. While a literal disfigurement is meant the point is made. It is given in graphic detail by our Lord to magnify the seriousness of sin. We need to cut it off, to kill it at its source. If we are tempted online to sin or to stumble with our words or other form of self-control get some accountability immediately. Do not do it alone. Ask to help. Sometimes others need to help us to do the cutting.
3. With respect to Mt 18:10-14, who is the one lost sheep that the Lord is putting on your heart to go and seek out. Perhaps it is someone who has fallen away, a prodigal that you have been praying for, for years. Give them a call or drop around and see them and encourage them to consider Christ and the forgiveness of the cross. I am greatly encouraged by these verses. The 99 are already saved, these are in fact secure in Christ, they are in a pen, safe and secure. The one who is lost is open to the elements, wild animals and the danger of the terrane. The same for those who chosen by the Lord but either don’t know it or are in a state of rebellion. Christ’s mercy and grace brings them back, often on His shoulders. They are either too weak, diseased, or still not following as they should. He carries them and brings them back safely. Often for us this is within an environment where there are other Christians, hearing and obeying the word. Pray that the Lord draws His lost sheep back to a place of communion and spiritual safety, that they may not perish, vs 14.
4. Most of us know the church communication/discipline passage quite well, Mt 18:15-18. The important thing is that the church carries it out when required. The process is the important thing to be noted. Go with one, then two, then the church. Elders need to be involved at stage 2 I believe. An elder should have knowledge of the situation and the eldership should decide how it is to be brought before the church if required. Church membership is required for this process to be properly implemented. As I have taught many times – almost to the annoyance of some I am sure; gossip, slander, and a divisive spirit should never be a part of the body of Christ. Disagreements will come, but causing division is never an option for a follower of Christ. Never make that choice. The whole purpose of this passage is for restoration and unity which is the ultimate reflection of the gospel. Jesus corrects us and then restores us. Praise God for the unity and openness we have at CBC – let’s not take it for granted and act quickly whenever we see it potentially being undermined. The gospel involves truth, unity and discipline.
5. Don’t you just love Peter, Mt 18:21. He is always wanting to find where the boundary is, either for his affections or his stupidity. He reminds me a lot of myself. Earlier he wants to build a tent for the transfigured Christ and speaks out of emotion. In this case he is wanting to know how far brotherly love should go when it comes to forgiveness, Mt 18:21. Look at our Lord’s response, Mt 18:22-35. Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. The point of the parable is that we are the servant who has been forgiven a great debt. We also have a choice as to whether we hold a grudge, bitterness, anger, or envy towards another person. Let’s always keep short accounts because life is short, but eternity is long. Let’s live in the light of Christ by always showing forgiveness and grace towards others.
6. The parable of the unforgiving servant in Mt 18:21-35 has a very sobering conclusion. Remember it was Peter who initially asked the question regarding forgiveness. If believers act like the servant in the parable and do not forgive other servants of Christ, Jesus says we will not be forgiven by the Father. Look at the words of judgement that come to believers who do not forgive; “my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart”, Mt 18:35. The “of you” is not the world, but those who claim to have faith. Remember this parable comes after the issue of discipline within the church and so the household of faith is within the context of the parable. Forgiveness and reconciliation must be part of the church and a Christian’s hard wiring. If this isn’t the case our Lord sees it as denying the forgiveness of sin that comes from the Father. In such cases as alluded to in this parable, Jesus says prison still awaits, Mt 18:34. Such a person is therefore not saved and is still destined for eternal punishment. A fearful thought.
7. Does Jesus speak into the ‘gay marriage’ issue when talking about marital unions? In Mt 19:4-6, He says that marriage should be between a male and a female and as such we shouldn’t let man separate what God has joined together. I think this makes it fairly clear. But sadly, in this passage we see such an ingrained culture for divorce. Jesus teaches that divorce is not an option, except for sexual immorality. As such, the disciples conclude that it is better not to marry, Mt 19:1-12. We have the same culture in our day. Many are not concerned with the law of God or the covenant of marriage. What do you make of Christ’s words? Have you resolved that marriage is for life? Encourage other Christians to keep their marriages strong in Christ.
8. Jesus had just told the disciples possibly only days before about the kingdom of heaven belonging to children by putting a child in the midst of them and explaining who the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, as we saw in Mt 18:1, 2. Here the disciples rebuke the children that were being brought to Jesus and receiving prayer, Mt 19:13-15. Jesus needed to continually remind His disciples of realigning their hearts with His heart and not be drawn back into personal desires or the bad theology of the day. What a privilege it was for the children who were blessed by Jesus laying His hands on them that day. One wonders what became of them. Surely, they were marked out by the Master to serve Him to the end.
9. In Mt 19:16-30 Jesus speaks about the cost of obtaining the kingdom of heaven. In Luke 18:15-23, it says that the rich young ruler called Jesus good teacher. Here the young man is asking what good thing he must do to enter heaven. Like the young man we all think that it is works based and we have to do a ‘good thing’ to enter in. The only good thing required was done at the cross, achieved by God alone, who alone is good. The fruit of this salvation is that we have no idols – including our possessions. We in the west are far wealthier than the rich young ruler. Money is not the problem, but the love of it. Jesus says the disciples will sit on twelve thrones, Mt 19:28. I don’t think Judas will be there so who will it be, will it be Matthias – who was chosen just before Pentecost. Some say Paul deserves a spot, even though in his own words he was one born out of season, 1Cor 15:8.
10. What does Jesus mean in Mt 19:28 “"Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” What “new world” is He referring to? Is He referring to the Millennial kingdom or the eternal kingdom when there will be a new heavens and a new earth? I believe He is initially speaking about the Millennial kingdom here as there is still judgement/administration happening for the 12 tribes of Israel. These tribes will be part of the disciples’ administration of Israel during this 1000 year reign. Jesus describes His throne as “glorious”. While this is not the eternal state. Jesus already has His glorified body and when His throne is set up from Jerusalem it will indeed be glorious. The 12 tribes will not need to be judged or administrated into eternity as all believers whether Jew or Gentile will be glorified and hence sin and judgement are no longer part of the eternal state.
11. Who deserves more heavenly wages? In the parable of the labourers in the vineyard the master hires servants at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 5pm for a 6pm shut down, Mt 20:1-16. The guys hired at 6am thought they deserved more. But they received the same as the guys hired at 5pm who had only worked for an hour. Heaven will be heaven for all regardless of whether we were called when we were young or old. There will be no griping there. If we were saved young – hallelujah! We were saved from a life of worldly sin and pain. Better to be in God’s vineyard sowing with Christ for most of our lives than wasting our time sowing with sin and Satan.
12. Jesus tells His disciples a third time that He will be crucified, Mt 20:17-20. As such the mother of James and John comes and asks for positions of prominence for her sons in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus has just told them “the last shall be first”, Mt 19:30. This request by their mother Salome comes after Jesus had set a child in the midst of them and told them how to be great in the kingdom of heaven. This mother and her 2 sons seem to have missed the memo. Do you want to be the greatest – be the best servant, go and serve others. You will know when you have achieved this; people notice, and you will be recognised by both God and man.
13. Jesus heals the blind men of Jericho, Mt 20:29-34. The greater miracle was done in their hearts – they followed Him, vs 34. Once you see the power of Christ and see Him for who He truly is, the desire should be to follow Jesus and become loke Him.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. 6:30pm every Wednesday. 5:30pm prayer. Next week we consider Psalm 10.
Prayer Points
1. Conversions and more visitors this time of year.
2. Prayer for Israel, Gaza and Lebanon for peace to descend over the region.
3. Pray for the work we have going on with site development and TMR and the development of a project team.
4. Keep praying for PlayPatch on Fridays, pray for more families to be reached.
5. Pray for Chaplaincy and Kids Hope at Karalee State School.
6. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults.
7. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Wednesday afternoons, 5:30pm at church. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
8. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
9. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Admin person sorted. Thanks Maddie
2. Looks like we have a new Treasurer. Mathys - Praise God
3. Great meeting with Pr Fred and Christine Muys and our elders. Pray for our future witness/projects
4. 2 more baptisms in the new year.
5. More new visitors on Sunday. Pray they feel welcomed in the church
6. Café, music, sound and technical team every week
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. PlayPatch Friday mornings – 9:30am. Contact Anna for details
2. Prayer meeting 5:30pm and Life Group Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
3. Carols Sunday 22nd Dec starting from 3pm.
4. Christmas Day service 9:00am Wed 25th Dec.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for December...
Q. 27. What happened to our first parents when they had sinned? A. Instead of being holy and happy, they became sinful and miserable.
Bible References – Gen.3:14-24; James 1:14&15.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
