9_6_2025_Matt_18_Kingdom_Community_Childlike_Humility_Forgiveness.docx

of the Sermon**

In this sermon, we explored Matthew 18 and Jesus’ radical vision for Kingdom community. The disciples’ question about greatness set the stage for Jesus to redefine what it means to be “great” in God’s eyes—not through status or achievement, but through humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus calls us to become like children, embracing vulnerability and dependence on God. He warns us about the seriousness of causing “little ones” to stumble, highlighting the value of every soul and the responsibility we have to protect and restore one another. The passage then moves to practical steps for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing honest confrontation and restoration over gossip or punishment. Finally, Jesus teaches about forgiveness—not as a mathematical formula, but as a posture of mercy that frees us from the heavy burden of grudges. The call is clear: true greatness in the Kingdom is found in humility, in seeking the lost, and in forgiving as we have been forgiven.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Humility as the Foundation of Kingdom Life Jesus’ call to “turn and become like children” is not a call to immaturity, but to a radical humility that recognizes our dependence on God. True spiritual strength is found not in self-sufficiency, but in surrender and trust. This humility is the entryway to the Kingdom and the posture that sustains us within it. When we let go of our need for control, we make space for God’s grace to shape us.
• 2. The Weight of Spiritual Influence Jesus’ warning about causing “little ones” to stumble is a sobering reminder of the impact our lives have on others, especially those who are vulnerable or new in faith. Our words, actions, and attitudes can either nurture faith or undermine it. Spiritual leadership—formal or informal—carries a sacred responsibility to protect, not exploit, those who trust us. We are called to be fiercely protective of the trust placed in us, modeling humility and grace.
• 3. Restoration Over Reputation The process Jesus outlines for addressing sin is designed to restore, not to shame. Private, honest confrontation honors the dignity of the person and seeks reconciliation rather than public embarrassment. When we bring grievances into the light, we create opportunities for healing and growth. This approach challenges us to value relationships over our own comfort or image, trusting that God’s way of dealing with conflict is ultimately for our good.
• 4. The Pursuing Heart of the Shepherd The parable of the lost sheep reveals God’s relentless pursuit of those who wander. Kingdom community is not content to let people drift away; it goes after them with compassion and hope. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we quick to write people off, or do we reflect the Shepherd’s heart by seeking restoration? True community is marked by a commitment to pursue and restore, not to exclude or condemn.
• 5. Forgiveness as Freedom, Not Forgetting Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness dismantles the myth that forgiveness is about keeping score or pretending nothing happened. Forgiveness is the act of releasing the weight of resentment, choosing freedom over bitterness. It is a continual posture, rooted in the mercy we ourselves have received. When we forgive “from the heart,” we are not excusing wrongs, but refusing to let them define us or our relationships—this is the path to true spiritual freedom.

1. When the disciples asked Jesus about greatness in the Kingdom, what surprising example did Jesus use to answer them?
2. According to Jesus in Matthew 18, what is the process for addressing sin or conflict within the community?
3. In the parable of the lost sheep, what action does the shepherd take when one sheep goes missing?
4. How does Jesus respond to Peter’s question about how many times we should forgive someone?

1. Why does Jesus use a child as the model for greatness in the Kingdom? What qualities of children is He highlighting?
2. What does it mean to “cause one of these little ones to stumble,” and why does Jesus warn so strongly against it?
3. How does the process Jesus gives for dealing with sin in the community protect both the person who has sinned and the community as a whole?
4. Jesus says forgiveness should not be counted or limited. What does this reveal about the kind of relationships He wants in His Kingdom?

1. Jesus says true greatness is found in humility and becoming like a child. In what areas of your life do you struggle to let go of control or self-sufficiency? What would it look like to practice childlike trust in those areas this week?
2. Think about your words, actions, or attitudes—have you ever realized you might be influencing someone’s faith, either positively or negatively? Is there a relationship where you need to be more careful or encouraging?
3. When someone in your church or community drifts away or makes a mistake, is your first instinct to pursue them with compassion or to write them off? Can you think of someone you might need to reach out to this week?
4. The process Jesus gives for addressing sin starts with a private conversation. Is there a conflict or hurt you’ve been avoiding or talking about with others instead of going directly to the person? What’s holding you back from following Jesus’ way?
5. Forgiveness is described as releasing a heavy burden, not pretending nothing happened. Is there a grudge or hurt you’re carrying that is weighing you down? What would it look like to begin letting go of that weight?
6. Jesus calls us to forgive “from the heart.” Is there someone you need to forgive, even if they haven’t apologized or changed? What step could you take this week toward genuine forgiveness?
7. How can our small group become a place where humility, restoration, and forgiveness are practiced regularly—not just talked about? What is one specific thing we could do differently as a group?