Greatest in the Kingdom

Setting and Overview
Following an extended section of narrative from chapters 14 through 17, chapter 18 brings us the fourth of Matthew’s five discourses. Although the word “church” only appears once in the chapter, this discourse is often referred to as the Ecclesiastical Discourse or Discourse on the Church since its teaching is so relevant to the life and relationships of a church. While this is most evident in the central section on church discipline in Matthew 18:15-18, the sections that precede and follow are also critical not only to carrying out those instructions but also the instructions throughout the epistles. The first portion of the chapter, Matthew 18:1-14, sets the stage for those commands.

Exposition
Matthew 18 opens up with a question from the disciples about who was the greatest among them. Reading with Mark and Luke, it is likely that the disciples had been arguing amongst themselves about it (Mark 9:33-37) when Jesus discerned their thoughts and questioned them about it (Luke 9:46-48) and then after a time of silence they worked up the courage to ask the question. In response, Jesus brings a child forward (possibly Peter’s son as they were likely in his house) and challenged them to have the humility and dependence of a child as that is a requirement to being a disciple (Matthew 5:3.) Furthermore, greatness as a disciple is measured by how the disciple points others to Jesus (Matthew 11:11, John 14:12) which in turn depends on growth in such humility and dependence.
Of course humbly dependent disciples can also be taken advantage of, and Jesus reminds them how concerned he is for his disciples. Those who would welcome the disciples (Matthew 10:14, 40-41) in the name of Jesus are doing the same for Jesus, but those who would hinder the work of the disciples are opposing Jesus and should be prepared for the wrath of judgment. Although the disciples should be prepared to experience stumbling blocks as part of Gods sovereign plan (James 1:2-4) and such blocks do serve God’s purposes, those who are causing them are no less responsible for their actions (Acts 4:27-28.) Just as others need to be concerned with not causing the disciples to stumble, so too do the disciples need to be careful that they do not cause themselves to stumble. While Matthew 5:29-30 used almost identical language of cutting off one’s hand and out one’s eye in the context of lust and adultery, the same commitment to obedience applies in all areas and is here likely focused on pride since the section was introduced with a call to humility.
Such humility is also important because of the risk of disdaining (Matthew 6:24) our brothers and sisters when they are either led into sin or cause their own stumbling. Instead, Jesus reminds them of God’s care for his followers who go astray and commands his disciples to have similar care. The fact that God provides angels to look after them (Hebrews 1:14), angels who themselves are able to approach God’s own presence, speaks to their value to them and should be convicting for the level of care that we show as well.

Examination and Application
Beginning the chapter with a call to humility, the following verses show how that humility should shape the relationships among believers and will in turn set the stage for the commands on discipline and restoration that follow. They provide us with a very convicting picture of humility, support, obedience, sacrifice, and compassion, all grounded in the love and example of the Son. If we are going to be a church that disciplines and restores well, we had better be a church that understands these things as well.