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Hidden Snares

Text: Matthew 18 : 15 - 35

The disciples were not fully aware of the problems that lurked beneath the surface of their seemingly innocent question, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus had to explain to them the many hidden problems that lay beneath their quest for personal greatness. Hidden snares are dangerous, simply because they are concealed. The wisest course of action would be to reveal to the disciples the many snares that could entrap the disciples if they were not careful enough!

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him
his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you,
you have gained your brother.
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 18:15-16

PROBLEMS AMONG BROTHERS

1. There were problems among the disciples

The very fact that the disciples were vying with each other concerning the matter of personal greatness indicated that all was not well with them. There were probably underlying problems among them. Some likely causes would be:-

a) Different backgrounds

Some disciples were fishermen. Matthew was a former tax-collector. All were different from each other in temperament as well. When people of diverse backgrounds work together, tensions among them must be expected.

b) Different levels of comprehension

Obviously, all of them had their own understanding of what Jesus taught. Not all had the same level of understanding. Their ability to perceive things would of course create some tension in their ranks.

c) Different levels of growth in faith

Faith levels always differ. All would need to come to terms with the fact that personal faith-levels would affect their overall spiritual growth and make up! When a group of people training to become apostles get together, problems must be expected. It would be naive to imagine that the disciples were free from problems.

d) Different personalities

The disciples were quite different, one from the other! As Jesus taught them, He began to shape their lives more definitely. However, they were still in the early stages of training. Much more work had to be done before they could be said to be fully mature. At this point of time, Jesus still needed to correct them very firmly.

2. There will always be problems in life and ministry

Jesus saw what the future would be like! That was not a difficult thing to foresee at all. There would be problems among the brethren. That would be a foregone conclusion! The question was what to do about the problem of misunderstanding among brethren!

a) Brethren could sin against each other

Jesus did not specify the sin-problem, nor did He need to do that! (The Book of Leviticus had an interesting classification of sin called “unintentional sin” – Cf. Leviticus 4-5). A brother may not intentionally sin against another person. Nevertheless, the problem of sin would not be easily defeated!

b) One on One

What is the best approach when dealing with interpersonal problems? The best approach is what Jesus taught His disciples in this text.

i) Resolve problems quickly

Wisdom teaches us that the best way to deal with problems is to attend to matters promptly.

ii) Resolve matters without involving too many people

If a problem is confined to just two people, prudence teaches us to have the problem resolved between the two. The less others are involved, the better.

c) Regard for each other

Jesus reminded His disciples that they were to regard each other as “brothers” and not enemies! This approach, when borne in mind, would go a long way to resolve conflicts.

d) Non-combative approach

Obviously, Jesus was teaching His disciples to resolve problems amicably. The gentle approach is best!

e) The proactive approach

The aggrieved party is not to wait for the offender to apologise! The aggrieved party is to take a very proactive approach. He is to seek out the brother who has offended him with the purpose of resolving problems!

f) Gaining a brother

If instructions were carried out properly, then there is a high chance that the problem has been nipped in the bud. Much more than that, brotherly friendship would not be jeopardized or lost altogether. In fact, the estranged brother might be won back into full fellowship!

The disciples had to learn how they might improve interpersonal relationship skills, besides the challenge of mastering deep doctrinal truths.