Lesson Eight (Chapter 18)
Humility, Submission, and Forgiveness
“HaShem preserves the simple [naïve];
I was brought low, and He saved me.”
Psalms 116:6
The Torah of HaShem is perfect, converting [meshivat, from shuv = “turn, repent”] the soul [naphesh from “breath”, as in “G-d breathed”]; the testimony of HaShem is sure, making wise the simple.”
Psalms 119:7
“Oh, how I love Your Torah! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.”
Psalms 119:97-100
Introduction
- Last week we saw a glimpse of Yeshua in His Kingdom. There on the mountain we were reminded of the Voice that spoke from Mount Sinai. We were reminded of the fire from heaven on Mount Carmel. Peter, James and John had a glimpse of the Kingdom, with Moses and Elijah as witnesses to the upcoming death and resurrection of the Messiah.
- Most of all, on the mountain we heard the Voice. The Voice that calls us to believe – Yeshua is the Beloved Son of G-d – and we were told to sh’ma Him! To hear, and obey Him.
- The Mount of Transfiguration is the beginning of the end of the Galilean ministry. In the next few chapters we will move into the final week of Yeshua's ministry then the cross and resurrection.
- Chapter 18 begins the 4th didactic teaching section in Matthew. This is the “community discourse”. Remember Abba’s words on the mountain when speaking of Yeshua: Sh’ma Him! Hear Him!
Humility
- Matthew 18:1: Who will be greatest? In Matthew 5:19 told them. What does that mean?
- Matthew 18:2-4: How does 5:19 relate to this, “coming as a child?” or does it?
- The answer is found in relating the word “humble (vs 4) and the submission in vs 2.
- Numbers 12:3; 6-8: Moses humility is seen in His submission to G-d. We see this played out again in Moses life and ministry. After the “burning bush” – Moses simply repeats what G-d commands. Moses, like a child, places himself completely in G-d’s way and authority. Submission to G-d = humility. Want to be “more humble” – determine to obey G-d.
- 1Peter 2:2; 5:5: Dependence upon G-d is the model of “child-like faith” – Submission is its Action, and Humility is its Clothing.
The Bet Din
- 18:15-20: The ancient bet din [house of judgment] is what Yeshua is speaking of here. Usually made up of 2 to 3 “judges” in each synagogue or assembly. This is not for where someone slights you, or offends you – but where someone visibly and demonstrably “sins against you” (verses 33-35 show that), or you “sin against someone.”
- “By two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Deut 19:15-21).
- 1Tim 5:19: Accusations against an elder are not held to a higher standard – but the same standard: 2 or 3 witnesses.
- “Where two or three are gathered…” this is classic bet din language.
- The incorrect application of bet din was seen in our Ch. 16 passage – deciding how everyone should live in the community. In that regard, the majority should not decide, but by rather the minority – always by love! Bet din is not about “making law” – but about “applying justice.”
- 1Cor 6:7-8: Like the Matthew 18 passage, this is speaking of a bet din – a court of sorts in the assembly of believers. But… why not rather be “wronged”?
Forgiveness
- The parable of the unforgiving servant:
- The King = G-d
- The Accounts = The record of sins (debts)
- Forgiving the Debt = Atonement and forgiveness
- The Servant = The sinner who still has unforgiveness toward others.
- Singular Point = If you do not forgive others, you will not be forgiven.
- Matt 6:14-15: Conditional forgiveness?
- Mark 11:25: “Stand” praying – Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei) - thrice daily opportunity to remember your sins against others.
- Biblical forgiveness is modeled after G-d’s forgiveness, this also means complete forgiveness, and forgetfulness! “I forgive you, but don’t you ever do that again!” Does not qualify. “You say you’ve done this before? I don’t remember – and yes, I forgive you.” (xref 1Cor 13:5: NIV: “Keeps no record of wrongs”).
Summary
- From beginning to end, Matthew chapter 18 models Biblical humility, which is seen in the picture of a submissive child, submission to authority, and submission to each other through forgiveness.
- Do you keep a record of wrongs? Let it go. Why not rather be wronged?