Matthew 18-20

January 6, 2008

According to Jesus how should we go about resolving disagreements in the church? How many times should we go through this process?

1 - Go to the person and present the issue. The desired outcome is that the issue gets settled, and everything goes forward. Note that the first step is not to talk about it with your friends and neighbors.

2 - If that doesn’t settle the issue, then take one or two people with you and see if the issue can’t be settled. At least the issue will be put on record (testimony of two or three). Again note that the discussion is limited to only a very few.

3 - Finally, if no resolution is forthcoming take it before the church. If this does not work then shun the person. Shunning had greater ramifications in Jesus day than today. Everyone was dependent upon everyone else for survival.. Today we can exist and thrive on our own with limited involvement with others. So be shunned in Jesus day was an act that threatened the very survival of an individual.

Note that the goal is to set things right and restore the relationship!

What makes it hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God? Is it impossible?

It is the material things we have accumulated that we become so attached to that become the center and focus of our attention.

The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is not a very good model of how to run a successful business operation. What is the point of the parable?

God isn’t predictable. It is the owner’s vineyard and it is God’s creation. They are free to act and do as they desire. What right do we have to quibble with that?

The Jews thought they were the ones who had worked hard from sun up and were entitled to special reward. The Gentiles are "Johnny come lately’s." They just appear on the scene. Would they have the same standing as the devout Jews? Would they get the same reward?

I think the point of the parable is that in the Kingdom of Heaven God turns things upside down. Don’t expect to be able to figure it out. But more importantly, be willing to accept it.... ooh , there’s the rub....

Remember, Matthew’s audience is a Jewish- Gentile church that is daily becoming more Gentile. The inclusion of this parable would help the Gentile standing in the Church.