Matthew 18       January 31

The question "who is the greatest?" is flawed from the beginning.  The greatest is likely the most humble as well, and therefore would never think to ask the question.  However, instead of saying "since you asked...it isn't you.."  Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his disciples (us!) one of the finer points of being a christian.   The practice of trusting obedience.   As we grow into adulthood we tend to become less and less trusting.  With good reason, mind you....we discover along the way that not everyone who says they are looking out for our interests really is.   Occasionally we find out that the "new and improved" product is actually less product for more money, and the person who checked out our purchase also took our credit card number for their own personal use.   The world is a trust defeating place....but heaven is different.   No lie is ever told in heaven.  Every single thing that God has ever said will be exactly as it was spoken.   No one is trying to take advantage in heaven, no one is jealous, boastful or envious there.
And for the Christian, living here on earth is practice for heaven.  If God can be trusted in heaven, then He can be trusted here.  In fact, if we say we believe in Jesus, then we must trust Him here, as proof that our faith is genuine.   You cannot enter into heaven where God's every word is obeyed if you are not willing to obey God's Word.   Enter the Bible.  
The Bible is God's spoken Word for you and I.  As we read it, God is speaking.   As God speaks, we obey.  Not mindlessly, but with the same trust that a child has in his/her parents.   Even if we don't understand why, we know that in the end it will work out for good.

I read verse 10 and consider that if the angels of the children always see the face of the Father, then they must be in good relationship.   Therefore, all children (up to a certain age) enter into heaven.
It's my opinion, not necessarily doctrine.   I would add to that, however, that I believe the age of accountability to be quite low.   Knowing right from wrong is one of the first things we become aware of.   I doubt that we need to have a complete understanding of who Jesus is before we can be accepted into His family.   I have served him many years, and I still cannot completely understand who Jesus is, so that cannot be a criteria.

18:15-17 is often used by the church in helping to settle arguments...I mean discussions... among friends.  The whole idea is that you don't blab to everyone, you go to your friend first.

18:18-20   I'm not sure we completely grasp the significance of this verse.  I suspect that as heirs of the kingdom we have far more power and  authority than we recognize or use.  There is nothing that is beyond the ability of Jesus, and He says Himself that when we agree in prayer on anything, He is there among us.

Finally in this chapter, the discussion on forgiveness.   Undoubtedly many compelling sermons have been based on this passage.  Forgiveness is such an important part of our christian lives.    Since God has forgiven us so much, (and He truly has!) we should then adopt that attitude and begin to forgive others in the same gracious and extravagant way.  In fact, should we choose not to forgive others we deny the very attitude and character that allowed us to become Christians in the first place.  How could we consider ourselves to be saved without reflecting the key tenet of the faith?  
Jesus tells his disciples a story that ends with the unforgiving man being thrown into prison, and then in verse 35 he says very plainly  "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart",    Forgiveness isn't always easy, in fact sometimes it's impossible without the Holy Spirit's help.   But God has promised to help us, so we have no reason not to forgive.     If forgiving others is difficult for you, then ask God to help you.   Often it's just a matter of perspective.  When God changes your view of the situation, you will find it easier to forgive.

Be blessed,

PR