Childlike Humility
Jesus begins by calling a child to Himself and saying, Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). This emphasizes the importance of humility and dependence on God.

The Value of Each Believer
Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, highlighting the preciousness of each believer: If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:6).

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
This parable illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost, showing His deep love and care for every individual: In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14).

Church Discipline and Reconciliation
Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the goal of restoration: If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over (Matthew 18:15).

The Power of Forgiveness
The parable of the unmerciful servant teaches us about the necessity of forgiving others as we have been forgiven: This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart (Matthew 18:35).Embrace Humility
Cultivate a childlike faith and humility, recognizing our dependence on God in all things.

Guard Against Causing Others to Stumble
Be mindful of our actions and words, ensuring they build up rather than hinder others in their faith journey.

Seek the Lost
Actively participate in reaching out to those who have strayed from the faith, reflecting God's heart for the lost.

Practice Reconciliation
Approach conflicts with a spirit of love and a desire for restoration, following the steps outlined by Jesus.

Extend Forgiveness
Regularly examine our hearts for unforgiveness and choose to forgive others as an act of obedience and reflection of God's grace.1. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in Matthew 18, teaching His disciples about humility, forgiveness, and the kingdom of heaven. He uses parables and direct instruction to convey His messages. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

2. The Disciples
The disciples are the followers of Jesus who are present during His teachings in this chapter. They ask questions and receive guidance from Jesus. The Greek term "μαθηταί" (mathētai) refers to learners or students.

3. The Little Child
Jesus uses a little child as an example to teach about humility and the nature of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven. The Greek word "παιδίον" (paidion) refers to a young child or infant.

4. The Lost Sheep
In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, illustrating God's concern for each individual. The Greek term "πρόβατον" (probaton) is used for sheep.

5. The Brother
Jesus speaks about a "brother" who sins against another, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness within the community of believers. The Greek word "ἀδελφός" (adelphos) can mean a literal brother or a fellow believer.

6. The Servant
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus tells of a servant who is forgiven a great debt by his master but refuses to forgive a fellow servant. The Greek term "δοῦλος" (doulos) means servant or slave.

7. The Fellow Servant
This is the servant who owes a smaller debt to the unforgiving servant and is not shown mercy. The same Greek term "σύνδουλος" (syndoulos) is used, indicating a fellow servant or slave.

8. The Master/King
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the master or king represents God, who shows mercy and expects His servants to do the same. The Greek word "κύριος" (kyrios) is used for master or lord.Matthew 18 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on teachings and parables of Jesus, addressing themes such as humility, forgiveness, and community discipline. Since there are no specific locations mentioned in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. However, the chapter is rich in spiritual and moral teachings that are central to Christian doctrine. If you have any other questions or need further information on the themes or teachings in Matthew 18, feel free to ask!1. The Greatest in the Kingdom (Matthew 18:1-5)
The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus calls a little child to Him and says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). The Greek word for "change" (στραφῆτε, straphēte) implies a turning or conversion, emphasizing humility and dependence.

2. The Stumbling Blocks (Matthew 18:6-9)
Jesus warns against causing others, especially children, to stumble in their faith. He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). The term "stumble" (σκανδαλίσῃ, skandalisē) relates to causing someone to sin or fall away.

3. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)
Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating God's concern for every individual. He says, "In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish" (Matthew 18:14). The Greek word for "perish" (ἀπόληται, apolētai) conveys the idea of being lost or destroyed.

4. A Brother Who Sins (Matthew 18:15-20)
Jesus provides instructions for dealing with a brother who sins against you. He outlines a process of private correction, involving witnesses, and, if necessary, bringing the matter before the church. He concludes with the promise, "For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).

5. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him. Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the necessity of forgiveness. He concludes, "This is how My Heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart" (Matthew 18:35). The Greek word for "forgive" (ἀφῆτε, aphēte) means to release or let go, highlighting the importance of genuine forgiveness.Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Luke 15:4-7
The parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing God's joy over one sinner who repents.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.Pray for a heart of humility and dependence on God, asking Him to help us become like little children in our faith.

Ask God for wisdom and grace to avoid causing others to stumble and to be a source of encouragement and strength to fellow believers.

Pray for a burden for the lost and the courage to reach out to those who have wandered from the faith.

Seek God's guidance in handling conflicts and pursuing reconciliation within the church community.

Ask for the strength to forgive others as we have been forgiven, releasing any bitterness or resentment we may hold.

1. How does Jesus' teaching on childlike faith challenge the conventional understanding of greatness?

2. How can we apply the lessons from Jesus' warnings against causing others to sin in our lives today?

3. What does the Parable of the Lost Sheep teach us about the value God places on every individual?

4. How can we implement Jesus' instructions on dealing with a brother who sins in our relationships and communities?

5. What does Jesus' response to Peter's question about forgiveness ("seventy times seven") teach us about God's expectation for our forgiveness towards others?

6. How does the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant emphasize the importance of mercy and forgiveness?

7. How does the concept of treating an unrepentant sinner as a "pagan or tax collector" reconcile with Jesus' call for forgiveness?

8. What are the practical implications of the promise that where two or three gather in Jesus' name, He is there with them?

9. How can we foster a childlike faith in an adult world?

10. How does understanding the seriousness of causing others to sin affect your daily decisions and actions?

11. How can the Parable of the Lost Sheep shape your view of evangelism and reaching out to others?

12. How can we resolve conflicts in a manner that is in line with Jesus' teachings in this chapter?

13. What barriers might prevent us from forgiving others as taught in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, and how can we overcome them?

14. How does Jesus' teaching on forgiveness challenge societal norms around revenge and holding grudges?

15. What steps can we take to ensure we don't become stumbling blocks to others in our faith community?

16. How does the process Jesus lays out for correcting a brother who sins encourage accountability and restoration?

17. In what ways does the final verse ("forgive your brother from your heart") challenge superficial or insincere forgiveness?

18. How does this chapter's focus on humility, forgiveness, and dealing with sin influence your understanding of community in the Kingdom of Heaven?

19. What are some practical ways we can show humility and childlike faith in our everyday lives?

20. How does the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant affect your understanding of God's mercy and justice?