This is a continuation of our previous blog concerning common Christian interpretations and application of the conflict resolution outlined in Matthew 18.
We have already discussed the ways in which God’s character and nature (as revealed by Jesus Christ) are misrepresented in all “throw the bums out” interpretations of Matthew 18. God’s dealing with His creation is always with unconditional love and unconditional forgiveness. And, He requires nothing from us in order for Him to maintain this posture. We are the ones who run into trouble (and plenty of it) whenever we won’t or can’t accept God’s unconditional love and forgiveness for ourselves and others.
Since it isn’t God who requires a Matthew 18 process in order to forgive and fully accept us no matter what, could it be that we are the ones who feel justified in treating others this way?
We believe this is exactly what Jesus was revealing to those He was addressing at the time He spoke what is recorded in Matthew 18. Throughout the first few sentences, they must have thought that the rebellious Jesus really did think just like them, after all.
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out their fault when the two of you are alone.” (Matthew 18:15)
Yes, they would and wanted to directly confront the accused with their offense requiring repentance to the “obvious” righteous claim against them.” (Case-in-point: Acts 24:1)
“If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:15-16)
Yes, they would and wanted to drag the unrepentant offender before a few of their friends and enlist their agreement. (Case-in-point: John 8:1-11)
“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 18:17)
Yes, they would and wanted to stand the accused before the entire assembly and then shun them if they still refuse to repent and comply. (Case-in-point: Jesus’ treatment at the hands of the Jews after His arrest. Luke 22:66)
You can just hear the minds and hearts of the people Jesus was addressing eagerly agreeing with those first sentences. “That’s exactly what should be done to THOSE people. This is exactly what THEY deserve. This is the righteous thing to do to THEM. Yes, we should treat them like WE treat gentiles and tax collectors.”
But wait. Doesn’t this last sentence in the process depict a serious divergence between Jesus and the Jews? Did Jesus treat gentiles and tax collectors in the same manner as the Jews? Of course, the answer is “absolutely not.”
Gentiles and tax collectors were marginalized, avoided and even hated by the Jews. But Jesus talked with them, visited them in their homes, ate with them, healed them, forgave them, and invited them into His Kingdom.
Could it have been that Jesus (inspired by the Holy Spirit) chose the words in Matthew 18 to reveal the hearts of His listeners in order to lead them to the place where His heart rests?
There is no doubt that sin exists in the Body of Christ and there may be a need at times, in the case of serious sin, to confront and help (kindly and lovingly) someone see the error of their ways. But just know, that if you go down the path of Matthew 18, it is expected that you act in accordance with the character and nature of God and, in the end, treat the subject of the conflict as Jesus treated the gentiles and tax collectors.
Also, and this may be the most difficult part, we must (as Jesus did) lay our lives down. When our feelings get hurt, someone offends us, insults us, or spreads lies about us, let our response be in sync with the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of God) and not our human spirit. This internal reflection usually results in us dropping our offense and desire to do something and, instead, trusting the working of the Holy Spirit to reveal truth in the right time and in the right way. Holy Spirit-inspired repentance always brings freedom, healing and reconciliation where as man-inspired repentance often brings guilt, shame, and division.
Oh, that we could all treat each other as Jesus treated gentiles and tax collectors!
(Note: Cartoon is courtesy of David Hayward, nakedpastor.com. David holds a Master of Theology and a Diploma in Ministry and has over 30 years professional pastoral experience. He lives in New Brunswick, Canada.)
Catholic Apostolic Group 