Matthew Chapter 18 focuses on more of Jesus’ teachings to his disciples. It includes two major parables: that of the unforgiving servant and the Kingdom of Heaven. It is built on the anticipation of a future community of Christ followers and role of the apostles in leading it.
| «Malachi | Matthew | Mark» |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| » All the Books in the Bible « |
Little Children
The disciples came to Jesus and asked him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In response, Jesus called a small child and set him in front of them. He explained that to enter the kingdom, they would have to humble themselves as children. He also said that those who receive others in his name would also receive him, but, if anyone caused a child to sin, it would be better if he were dead. Jesus advised his disciples that they should cast away any impure parts of themselves, as it was better to enter heaven maimed than to enter hell whole.
The Lost Sheep
Jesus explained to his disciples that he had come to save those who were lost. He then spoke a parable, saying that if there were 100 sheep and one went astray, then the shepherd would go to find the one. Even though he had 99 that had not strayed, he would be happier if the one sheep were to come back.
Jesus’ Lessons
Jesus then spoke to his disciples in regard to dealing with conflicts. He told them that if their brother wronged them, they should first try to talk to him alone. If he did not listen, then they should bring two or three more to witness. If he still did not listen, then they should take him to the church. However, if he refused to listen to the church, then they should cast him out.
Jesus on Forgiveness
Peter approached Jesus and asked him how many times he should forgive his brother. Jesus responded that he should forgive his brother as many times as his brother sinned against him.
The Servant
After answering Peter’s question, Jesus told his disciples that the kingdom of heaven was like a king taking account of his servants. When one was brought to him that owed him a great debt, he demanded that the servant pay it back. However, the servant did not have enough money and begged the king to be patient with him. The king agreed and released the servant from his debt.
However, when the servant heard this, he returned home and sought out a person who owed him a debt. He demanded that the other servant pay his debt in full. The servant answered that he did not have the money and begged that the former servant be patient with him. The first servant, having no compassion, refused his plea and threw him in jail.
When his king heard of this, he became very angry with the first servant and claimed that he should have been compassionate as the king had been. He gave the servant to tormenters until he paid his original debt.
When he had related this parable, Jesus explained that God would not forgive the people if they did not forgive their fellows.
«Previous ChapterNext Chapter»
Matthew Chapter 18 (King James Version)
1 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.
5 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.
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!
8 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.
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.
11 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.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
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.
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.
17 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.
19 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.
21 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.
23 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.
28 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.
31 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.