To read the texts click on the texts: Deut 31:1-8; Mt 18:1-5,10,12-14
The text of today is taken from what is termed by some as
Matthew’s “Community Discourse” (18:1-35). It is the fourth of the long
discourses in Matthew. Some see the discourse as divided clearly into two parts
(18:1-14 and 18:15-35), with various indications, which point to such a
division. Some of these indications are as follows: Both sections end with a
parable (18:12-13 and 18:23-34), after the parable is a concluding statement
of Jesus, which begins with the word “So” (18:14,35), there is also in the
sayings, a reference to the heavenly Father and the saying is about the subject
of the preceding section (“little ones” and “brother/sister”).
The discourse begins with a question about the disciples
regarding greatness. Unlike in Mark 9:33, there is no dispute among the
disciples about who is the greatest. In his response, Jesus makes clear that
being in the kingdom or coming into it, is not a matter of one’s talents or
qualities, but “becoming like a child”. In first-century Judaism, children
were often regarded as inferior and were treated as property rather than as
persons. The point Jesus makes here is that one must acknowledge dependence on
the Father. The reception of a child is an indication that one has accepted the
values of the kingdom and one is no longer concerned about being greatest.
Since God does not give up on anyone, Christians must also be prepared to
accept those who may have strayed. Not only must they be valued, but they must
also be sought out like God himself seeks them. The focus in Matthew’s parable
is on the sheep that has gone astray. This means that the straying members of
the community ought to be the focus also of the community.
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