Matthew writes that true greatness is like that of a child: humility. Children were basically servants in the first century and Jesus praises this humility as well as anyone who "welcomes one such child"
Matthew writes about Jesus telling us not to put any kind of stumbling block in someone's way that would cause them to sin. This could be someone perhaps putting an alcoholic in a position to want to drink, or if someone's religion prohibits them from eating a certain thing for you to eat that certain thing in front of them. Basically, you are tempting them to sin. Then Jesus moves into metaphors where you tempt yourself....he really doesn't want you to pluck an eye out, but he is pointing out how serious this is.
The parable of the lost sheep shows that Jesus focuses on the one that strays. The other 99 are doing what they should be doing, and Jesus is glad, he simply wants none to perish.
Reproving one who sins....this is the way that Christians are supposed to handle discipline. The whole point is that Jesus doesn't want anyone cast away from the fellowship. Can you imagine how Matthew felt having to write, If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew was a Jewish TAX COLLECTOR. He knew how it felt to be cast away from the fellowship (the Christians) The Jews hated Matthew because he collected tax from his own people for the Romans.
Then there is the famous part of forgiveness. Peter thought he was being generous when he said, Should we forgive them 7 times? And basically Jesus said, forgive as much as it takes! He moved into the parable of the unforgiving servant who had his debts forgiven, and then did not forgive the debts to him. The king locked him up....Forgiveness of us is tied directly to our forgiveness of others. Remember, you don't have to do it on your own...you have the Holy Spirit to help you.....(thank goodness, because I am working through a situation right now and it is not fun)
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
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