Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.
By calling little child to stand before them, Jesus was emphasising the need for humility. In context the disciples had been asking, who is the greatest?
v.2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.
By calling little child to stand before them, Jesus was emphasising the need for humility. In context the disciples had been asking, who is the greatest?
v.7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
Difficulties are inevitable; we live in a broken world. However lets us not make it difficult for anyone who endeavours to live for Jesus, even if we don’t like them or their lifestyle.
(From Constable commentary) Jesus next warned His disciples about the possibility of their doing what the world does, namely, making it difficult for another disciple to fulfil his or her mission for Jesus. In the context, one's competitive pride of position might cause another disciple to stumble.
v.7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
Difficulties are inevitable; we live in a broken world. However lets us not make it difficult for anyone who endeavours to live for Jesus, even if we don’t like them or their lifestyle.
(From Constable commentary) Jesus next warned His disciples about the possibility of their doing what the world does, namely, making it difficult for another disciple to fulfil his or her mission for Jesus. In the context, one's competitive pride of position might cause another disciple to stumble.
v.19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
In context, “again”, this verse is referring to the discipline of a brother (v.15). The “two or three” have come together to discipline a brother. Jesus then moves straight on to discuss forgiveness.
v.19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
In context, “again”, this verse is referring to the discipline of a brother (v.15). The “two or three” have come together to discipline a brother. Jesus then moves straight on to discuss forgiveness.
v.26-27 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
By cancelling the debt the master actually did more than he was asked. When it comes to forgiveness God does so much more than we ask, since it would be impossible to list all our sins as many of them we are not even aware of.
v.26-27 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
By cancelling the debt the master actually did more than he was asked. When it comes to forgiveness God does so much more than we ask, since it would be impossible to list all our sins as many of them we are not even aware of.