Matthew 18

Jesus and the little child

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 18:1–4

Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom comes through becoming humble like a little child.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 9:33-37 — who is the greatest

Received in His name, believing in Him

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Matthew 18:5–6

Jesus identifies Himself with the humble who believe in Him: receiving them in His name is receiving Him, and harming their faith is a grave sin.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Mark 9:37 — receive one such child in my name
• a parallel account in Mark 9:42 — offend one of these little ones

Jesus warning against offences

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Matthew 18:7–10

Jesus warns us to cut away whatever leads us to sin and not to despise the little ones, whom His Father watches over.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Son of Man, come to save the lost

Son of Man — Son of Man of Holiness

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Matthew 18:11

Jesus states the purpose of His coming in one sentence: He came to save the lost.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Luke 19:10 — the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost
• alludes to Ezekiel 34:16 — 'I will seek that which was lost'

The Shepherd seeking the one

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Matthew 18:12–14

Right after saying He came to save the lost, Jesus tells of the shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one — a picture of the Good Shepherd's love for each soul.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 15:4-7 — parable of the lost sheep
• alludes to Ezekiel 34:11-12 — the Lord will search for His sheep and seek them out

Jesus teaching His Church to reconcile

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Matthew 18:15–19

Jesus teaches how to resolve offenses in His Church, gives binding authority to His disciples, and promises the Father will answer united prayer.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Gathered in His name

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Jesus promises His own presence wherever His disciples gather in His name, fulfilling the meaning of Emmanuel, 'God with us.'

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by D&C 6:32 — the Lord repeats this promise to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery

Jesus teaching limitless forgiveness

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Matthew 18:21–22

Peter asks the Lord how often to forgive, and Jesus answers that forgiveness should have no limit.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

The forgiven debt

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. Matthew 18:23–35

The king forgives a debt the servant could never repay, a picture of the mercy God extends to us through Christ's Atonement. Jesus says the king represents His heavenly Father, and those who have been forgiven must forgive others.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him