What is the main message of Matthew 18?

Invite students as they study Matthew 18 to look for truths that can help them understand why we should forgive others. Summarize Matthew 18:1–14 by explaining that Jesus instructed His disciples to humble themselves and become as little children.

How did Jesus describe true greatness in Matthew 18?

But Jesus’ definition of greatness is that one must possess a humble servant attitude. This is an attitude that would serve others rather than be served. Some great men of our day use their influence and power to lord it over others; thus using their power at the expense of others.

What does binding and loosing mean in Matthew 18?

Binding and loosing is originally a Jewish Mishnaic phrase also mentioned in the New Testament, as well as in the Targum. In usage, to bind and to loose simply means to forbid by an indisputable authority and to permit by an indisputable authority.

Who is the church in Matthew 18?

The Context of Matthew 18 In His statement in Matthew 16:18, it’s clear that He is referring to the universal church. For we certainly know that the gates of hell have prevailed against some local churches throughout redemptive history. In Matthew 18:17, Jesus uses the word church in reference to the local church.

What did Jesus say was necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven?

He said, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:20.)

How does God define greatness?

Greatness in the Bible was never determined by how much money someone had or how much influence or power they claimed to have. Greatness was always given to the one who was a servant. Greatness is serving, and God is calling each of us to serve, not to be great.

What does God say about greatness?

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.

What does it mean to bind the strong man?

In Matthew 12:22-29, where they brought Jesus a man possessed by a demon, the demon is the one who “binds” the strongman before possessing him. The strongman is the victim of the demon. The demon had caused the strongman to be blind (to the truth) and could not speak because of the possession.

What does to bind mean?

Definition of bind 1a : to make secure by tying His hands were bound with rope. b : to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds … she was not wholly bound in mind by her middle-class existence— Delmore Schwartz. c : to put under an obligation binds himself with an oath.

What is bound on earth is bound in heaven KJV?

[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.

What church is Jesus talking about in Matthew 18?

the universal church
The Context of Matthew 18 In His statement in Matthew 16:18, it’s clear that He is referring to the universal church.