Study 5: The Little Sheep

Matthew 18:1-14

Monday 28^th February to Sunday 6^th March, 2011

Introduction

How does the world define greatness? Give some examples of so-called “great” people.

Studying the passage - Read Matthew 18:1-5

1) Based on what you have learnt in your studies of Matthew, how would you answer the disciples question in verse 1? (Hint: Matthew 5:19, see also Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17 and 7:24-27). How does Jesus answer their question in verses 2-4? How are obedience (Matthew 5:19) and humility (Matthew 18:4) related to one another? (See also: Isaiah 66:2).

2) For Jesus’ original disciples, a child, apart from being obedient (Eph. 6:1-3), would also be of lowly position in society. What attitude would be required to ‘receive’ them (v. 5)? What other ‘lowly’ figures have we encountered in Matthew’s gospel? How did Jesus relate to them (Hint: Matt. 11:28-30)? How does that affect how we relate to others (Hint: Matt. 20:25-28)?

3) Read Matthew 18:6-9. Describe what our attitude to sin should be? What danger does our sin pose for us? What danger does our sin pose for others? How do verses 6-9 relate to verses 1-5?

4) Read Matthew 18:10-14. From the context of this parable (i.e. verses 6-9) what problem is being addressed in verses 10-14? (Note: The “little ones” in this parable are all those “who believe in Jesus” (v. 6) – see also Matt.10:40-42 and 25:40. Hint: Isaiah 53:6).

5) Read Romans 14:1 – 15:3. How does this passage illustrate what “do not look down on one of these little ones” (Matt. 18:10) means?

6) Read Matthew 5:23-24. How does this passage show how we might “go to look for the one that wandered off” (Matt. 18:12)?

Response

Based on what you have learnt in this study, would you describe yourself as great? Why, or why not? Do you “hunger and thirst” for greatness (Matt. 5:6 and 18:1-5)? Do you have the attitude to sin described in Matt. 18:6-9? Do you have the heart for “little ones” that God has (Matt. 18:14)?

Spend some time thanking God for saving us by revealing His glory/greatness in Jesus Christ, and asking Him for help in following Christ’s example of greatness.