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Relationships Are Sometimes Quite Complex

Text: Matthew 18 : 15 - 35

Jesus painted a number of possible scenarios in His attempts to teach His disciples how they may resolve problems and conflicts with each other. The first scenario is one where through a simple heart-to-heart talk with each other, problems are resolved amicably. However, in human relationships, things can get quite complicated. The offending brother may not choose to respond positively. Swiftly, Jesus painted the second possible scenario.

“But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more,
that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word
may be established.”
MATTHEW 18:16

1. Applying an Old Mosaic Law

It is interesting how Jesus applied an ancient Mosaic Law in His teaching. The context of this Mosaic Law has reference to legal matters.

“One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity
Or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses
The matter shall be established. If a false witness rises against
Any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men
In the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests
And the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall
Make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness,
Who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do
To him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall
Put away the evil from among you.”
DEUTERONOMY 19:15-19

2. The Witnesses

Obviously, these two witnesses must be unbiased people! If they are prejudiced in any way, then the problem can be further compounded. The witnesses must be aware of the potential seriousness of the problem.

a) They must be aware of the presence of the Lord.

b) They must be aware of the task at hand.

c) They must realize that a problem of evil sin is being tackled.

d) They must exercise great carefulness in their inquiries.

e) Two or three fair-minded witnesses would be sufficient to establish the truth.

Jesus was obviously aware of the potential problems that an unresolved problem can create! His disciples must learn how issues must be dealt with thoroughly and if possible swiftly. Matters must not be allowed to get out of hand!

THE THIRD AND LAST SCENARIO

Situations can get out of hand! Jesus did not downplay the possibility of this happening. Thus He painted the third possible scenario.

“And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.
but if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you
like a heathen and a tax collector.”
MATTHEW 18:17

Obviously, things had become so bad that the problem has to be brought to the attention of “the church”. How should we understand this teaching?

1. A sin problem

The problem has to be more than just a personal problem between two brothers.

a) The significance of the quotation from Deuteronomy 19:15-19

The citation of this passage would indicate that a sin problem has occurred. The community is called upon to deal with the problem of evil sin. The church must not allow sin to go unchallenged!

b) The offending brother refuses to recognize his sins

The nature of sin is such that unless the heart is convicted, the brother may deny that he has done wrong.

c) He refuses to listen to the good counsel given to him

The erring brother may prove to be defiant and difficult. He may challenge the right of his friends to counsel with him.

2. The authority of the Church

a) Jesus described the authority of the church body

It has the power to decide what it ought to do with an unrepentant sinful brother. The church is not just a community of believers with no authority to deal with the problem of sin.

b) The authority to excommunicate an unrepentant brother

The church body has the right and the authority to discipline the sinning brother. He may be “excommunicated”. This means that he would be shunned by the church community as “a heathen and a tax collector” until he shows repentance.

FURTHER INSIGHTS CONCERNING “THE CHURCH”

It was important that the disciples learned how the Church functioned. It was never meant to be weak. The power of the Church lay in “discipline” of members.