Connect Exodus 2:14 to Jesus' teachings on resolving disputes in Matthew 18. Setting the Scene Exodus 2 drops us into Moses’ first attempt to mediate conflict among his own people—a moment met with sharp resistance. Centuries later, Jesus lays out a clear, covenant-based pattern for handling disputes within His community. Reading the two passages side by side highlights the Bible’s unified call to reconcile God’s way, not ours. Exodus 2:14—Conflict Without Covenant Guidelines “ But the man replied, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?’ Then Moses was afraid and thought, ‘This thing is surely known.’ ” • Moses steps in impulsively, relying on force and secrecy (vv. 11-12). • His authority is questioned: “Who made you ruler and judge?”—a rejection that exposes the lack of an agreed process for resolving wrongs. • Fear and flight follow (v. 15); the conflict remains unresolved, and fellowship is broken. Matthew 18:15-17—The King’s Roadmap to Reconciliation “ If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. … But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, … If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. … ” • Step 1: Private conversation—protect dignity, seek restoration (v. 15; cf. Proverbs 25:9). • Step 2: Small group confirmation—corroborate facts, apply Deuteronomy 19:15 (v. 16). • Step 3: Church involvement—community accountability under Christ’s authority (v. 17). • Ongoing aim: “win your brother” (v. 15)—never to shame but to restore (Galatians 6:1). Parallels and Contrasts • Authority Questioned – Exodus: “Who made you ruler?”—Moses lacks recognized mandate. – Matthew: Jesus grants explicit authority to the church (vv. 18-20). • Method of Engagement – Exodus: Anger and violence escalate the problem. – Matthew: Gentle, structured steps de-escalate and invite repentance. • Outcome – Exodus: Fear, separation, decades-long exile. – Matthew: Potential restoration; even final discipline seeks repentance (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). Lessons for Today • God values order in peacemaking (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). • Private, face-to-face conversation is the first and best door to healing. • Bringing witnesses is not gossip; it is loving verification. • The gathered church carries real authority to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18), under Christ the Head. Putting It into Practice 1. Examine motives—am I seeking to “win my brother,” or to win an argument? 2. Follow the pattern—private talk, then small group, then church; no shortcuts. 3. Trust the Lord’s presence—“where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). 4. Walk in humility—remember Moses’ early failure and Jesus’ perfect model (Philippians 2:3-5). |
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