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Matthew 18

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

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.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

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?

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.

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

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.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

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.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

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:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

What does Matthew 18:2 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:2 emphasizes Jesus' teaching on humility and the Kingdom of Heaven.

In this verse, Jesus is responding to his disciples' question about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

By calling a child to His side and placing the child among them, Jesus is providing a living illustration of the qualities necessary to enter His kingdom.

Children in the ancient world were low in social status and without power, therefore embodying the humility and dependence that Jesus taught His followers to embrace.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative within the Gospel of Matthew.

It occurred during Jesus' ministry when His followers were trying to understand His teachings and the nature of the Kingdom He often spoke about.

During this time, society valued honor, status, and hierarchy, making Jesus' act of elevating a child's status counter-cultural and illustrative of a different value system.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant in various traditions. For mainstream Christianity, it demonstrates the necessity of humility for salvation. In Catholicism, it highlights the virtue of being 'like children' in innocence and trust.

Some Protestant denominations take this as a call for a personal relationship with God, one that is direct and unpretentious.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to embrace a simpler, more humble approach to faith and life.

It suggests that status and sophistication are not prerequisites for entering the Kingdom of Heaven; rather, simplicity and humility are favored. This can be applied by treating all individuals with equal respect, serving others selflessly, and maintaining a teachable spirit.

Cross-References

Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Mark 10:15 "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
Luke 18:16 "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "child" is "παιδίον" (paidion), which refers to a little or young child. The specific use of this word underscores the essential qualities of children, such as innocence, dependence, and humility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing to other religions, this teaching of Jesus is somewhat analogous to the Eastern philosophical concepts of egolessness and simplicity.

In ancient myths, heroes often undergo a transformation to become humble or learn from those considered lower in status, which somewhat reflects the lesson given by Jesus here.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific ideas, it does relate to psychological concepts such as ego development and the value of simplicity and trust, qualities often observed in children which could be conducive to well-being and mental health.

Commentaries

Opinions among biblical scholars and theologians tend to converge on the interpretation of this verse as highlighting the necessity of humility and the reversal of social expectations.

They see the action of Jesus as a clear instruction against pride and for the need to assume a role and disposition of lower status, aligned with those of a child, to be part of God's Kingdom.

Some commentaries may also delve into the social dynamics of the ancient Near East to provide a deeper understanding of the disciples' expectations and the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teachings.

Matthew 18

Matthew 18

What does Matthew 18:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 18:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?