Definition: And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very short passage from Matthew 18:2: “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them.” Basically, it means: Jesus was inviting a baby to join a group of people. Let's unpack it a bit more: “Jesus called a little child…” – This is the key part. It’s unusual for Jesus to call a baby! It suggests he wanted to create a moment of peace and focus within a large gathering. “…and set him in the midst of them.” - He placed this baby right in the middle of the crowd. What's the significance? This is often interpreted as a very important teaching about Jesus’ authority and how to handle conflict. Here are a few possible interpretations: Jesus was emphasizing humility: By inviting a baby, Jesus was showing that he wasn’t just any person, but he was in control of the situation. It's like saying, “I am here, and I’m leading this group.” It’s about starting with compassion: The fact that Jesus chose a little child suggests that God wants us to start by showing kindness and understanding to those who are struggling or hurting. In short, it's a symbolic story about Jesus' power and the importance of treating everyone with respect and care. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this specific passage in more detail?

Definition: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important verse from Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse is about Jesus Christ and how He interacts with people. It’s saying that when people are united – when they’re together – and discussing faith and God’s word, Jesus is present right there with them. Let's unpack it: “Two or three…” This refers to groups of people – maybe a small group of friends, a family, a congregation, or even just a few individuals. “…in my name…” This is the key part! “My name” specifically refers to Jesus Christ. He’s showing up and being with them because he’s who he is - He's the one God sent to save us. “There am I in the midst of them.” This means that when people are together, Jesus is actively involved . He’s not just observing; He’s present, participating, and guiding their conversations and actions. What does it teach us? It's a powerful message about: Jesus’ Importance: It shows that Jesus isn't just interested in hearing our talks; he wants to be with us. The Power of Community: Being together in faith strengthens our belief and helps us grow closer to God. His Presence: It emphasizes that He is always present, even when we’re not consciously thinking about Him. In short, this verse encourages us to share our faith with others and to be united in the presence of Jesus. Do you want me to explain any of these aspects further? For example, would you like to know: What does it mean when people are "gathered together"? How does this verse relate to other stories or teachings in the Bible?

Definition: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 18:21. It's a really important and slightly complex verse about forgiveness! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Peter is facing a difficult situation where someone has broken a rule against him. He’s asking, “How often should I forgive this person? Can I ever truly forget their mistake?” Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “Then came Peter to him…” : This sets the scene – Peter is in a serious situation. “…and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” : This is the crux of the question. "My brother" refers to someone who has wronged Peter. “Sin against me” means they've broken a rule or offense that Peter believes is important. The phrase "until seven times" is incredibly significant. It’s a very long amount of time – far more than most people would think! What does it mean? This verse highlights the importance of consistent forgiveness . It suggests that when someone wrongs you, it's not enough to just forgive them once or twice. Peter is asking if he can ever truly move on from this offense because it keeps happening repeatedly. The Significance & Context (Important!) Jesus’ Teachings: This passage comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which deals with leadership and how we should treat others. It's a reminder that forgiveness is crucial for healthy relationships and a righteous life. The Seven Deadly Sins: The seven times refers to the seven deadly sins – pride, lust, greed, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. It’s about striving for a perfect relationship with God through forgiveness. In essence, this verse is a call for patience and unwavering commitment to forgiveness. It's a reminder that sometimes, even when someone deeply offends us, it takes consistent effort and dedication to let go of the hurt and move forward. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 18? Discuss the significance of forgiveness in Christianity?

Definition: Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very interesting and somewhat complex verse from Matthew 18:22. It’s a foundational part of how Jesus deals with conflict and forgiveness! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about how many people we should forgive when someone wrongs us. It’s not about a specific number, but about a limit . Let’s unpack it: "Jesus saith unto..." : This means Jesus is speaking to someone. "...I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." – This is the crucial part. Jesus is saying, "Don't forgive just seven people. Forgive until seventy." What does it mean? The number 7 is incredibly important in Jewish tradition and Christian theology. It’s often associated with completeness, perfection, and God’s plan. So, Jesus isn’t saying a strict limit of forgiveness. Instead, he's suggesting that we should never stop forgiving. He wants us to keep going until we reach a point where we are completely free from the burden of holding onto anger and resentment. Why is this important? It speaks to God’s perspective: It shows Jesus understands that forgiveness is a process, not an event. It emphasizes the importance of continuing love: Forgiveness isn't just about letting go of someone; it’s about continuing to love them despite their actions. It highlights the possibility of endless compassion: It suggests a level of forgiveness that goes beyond what we might initially think is necessary. In short, Jesus is setting a principle – never stop forgiving, even when it's hard. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV%20Matthew%2018%2022](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV%20Matthew%2018%2022) - This is a good, accessible starting point. Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew%3A18%3A22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew%3A18%3A22) - Provides a more detailed explanation. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse, like its historical context or how it relates to Christian teachings on forgiveness?

Definition: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really interesting passage from Matthew 18:23! It’s a pretty complex idea, but here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means the Kingdom of Heaven is like a royal kingdom ruled by God. Let’s unpack that a bit: “Kingdom of Heaven”: This refers to God's realm – a place where He lives and rules. It’s not just any earthly kingdom; it’s a special, spiritual kingdom. “Like a King…” This is the key part. The Bible uses this metaphor to illustrate that the Kingdom isn't just a big, dusty old place. It's a structured system with rules and responsibilities. “Takes Account of His Servants”: This is where it gets a little more nuanced. “Servants” here doesn’t just mean ordinary people. It means believers – those who have been given a special relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. So, what does this all mean? The Bible says that the Kingdom of Heaven isn't just about being in it, but also about managing within it. It’s like a royal court where God is overseeing everything. Here are some possible interpretations of what this means: Leadership & Responsibility: The King (God) sets rules and expectations for his followers. These rules help people live out their faith in a way that honors God. Care & Guidance: Just like a king cares for his kingdom, God cares for his believers. He wants to guide them towards righteousness and good things. Community & Unity: The idea of “taking account” suggests that the King needs to oversee and manage different groups (believers) within his realm. It implies a need for order and fairness. In short, the verse is saying that God has a structured system of rules and responsibilities within His Kingdom – and it's up to us believers to follow those rules and be responsible for each other. Where does this come from? This parable comes from Matthew 18, which tells the story of Jesus’ first teaching about the Kingdom. It’s a powerful image that illustrates the importance of following God’s teachings and being accountable to one another. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide different interpretations of what it means?

Definition: And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:24. It’s a really interesting and slightly unusual statement! Here's what it means in plain language: Basically, Jesus is about to deal with a HUGE problem. “And when he had begun to reckon…” – This means Jesus was starting to think about something very important. “Reckoning” is a fancy word that basically means figuring out or calculating. He was busy thinking deeply. “…one was brought unto him…” – This refers to someone who was incredibly wealthy and had a lot of money, perhaps even a huge fortune. “Which owed him ten thousand talents.” – This is the really strange part! "Ten thousand talents" is an old way of measuring wealth in ancient times. A talent was like a unit of measurement for gold or silver. So, 10,000 talents is a lot of money! It’s enough to buy a huge amount of land and possessions. So, the whole verse means: Jesus is about to have a serious conversation with someone who had a massive amount of wealth – probably a very rich man or woman – who was in debt to him by a huge sum (ten thousand talents). What’s the point? The Bible uses this story to illustrate a crucial idea: Jesus is willing to forgive and deal with serious offenses, even when they involve huge amounts of wealth. It's a powerful illustration of his authority and willingness to take action against those who are deeply in trouble. In essence, it’s a dramatic example of Jesus’s power and concern for the souls of people who have wronged him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about Matthew 18?

Definition: But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 18:25. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about forgiveness and responsibility. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “When Jesus was with his disciples, he told them to be practical about their relationship with each other. He said, ‘Because he had no debts or obligations, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and everything he owned – all of that – to be paid.’” Let’s unpack it a little: “But forasmuch as…” : This is a way of saying "because" in English. It introduces a reason or explanation. “he had not to pay” : This is the core of the verse. Jesus was not obligated to pay anyone. He didn't have a debt to repay. “…his lord commanded him to be sold…” : This is a crucial part. Jesus’s “lord” refers to God, and he’s telling his disciples that God has no need of any person, and therefore doesn't require anyone to offer anything in return for their lives. “His wife, and children, and all that he had” : This is the list of what Jesus was being asked to give up – his family, possessions, everything he owned. “…and payment to be made.” : The command was to pay . It’s a requirement for something to be done. What's the big idea? This verse speaks about divine forgiveness and responsibility. Jesus is setting a standard of how Christians should treat each other – to be generous, compassionate, and responsible for one another. It highlights that God loves us unconditionally, doesn’t demand anything from us in return, and offers forgiveness when we make mistakes. Important Note: It's often misunderstood as a statement about everyone paying. However, the context of this verse is about a specific situation – Jesus with his disciples. It’s about the importance of treating each other with respect and giving generously, but it doesn't mean everyone has to give up everything. In short, this verse emphasizes that God's love requires us to treat others with kindness and responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Matthew 18 passage? Discuss a related concept (like forgiveness)?

Definition: The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 18:26. It’s a really interesting and somewhat complex idea, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here's the basic meaning: Jesus is telling a story about how to deal with someone who is constantly complaining or trying to get his attention. He’s saying: "This person is really upset, and they are begging for patience. I'm going to show you how to respond." Let’s unpack it into smaller parts: “The servant therefore fell down…” – This refers to Jesus himself. He was feeling overwhelmed by the negativity of this person. “…and worshipped him…” – This is a very unusual phrase. It doesn't mean Jesus worshiped God in the traditional sense (like praying or offering sacrifices). Instead, it means he surrendered his own frustration and anger to Jesus. He was admitting that his feelings were too intense for him to handle. “…saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.” – This is the core of the story. He's begging for someone else (the one who’s complaining) to be patient with him. He’s asking for forgiveness and a promise that he will eventually make things right. The phrase "pay thee all" means he wants a full apology or restitution for his problems. What does this story teach us? This story is about taking responsibility for your feelings. It's a powerful reminder that: We all have anger and frustration: Everyone feels upset sometimes, especially when something isn’t right. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed: Jesus was feeling incredibly burdened by the negativity of this person. Asking for forgiveness is important: It's a good idea to humbly ask someone else to be patient with you, even if it feels difficult. In essence, Jesus is teaching us that when we’re struggling with intense emotions, we need to acknowledge them, apologize, and seek forgiveness from someone else. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Talk about the context of this story (which Gospels mention it)?

Definition: Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:27. It's a really important and fascinating passage about forgiveness! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse talks about God’s incredible mercy. “The lord of that servant…” – This refers to Jesus, the Son of God. It’s a way of saying that God is involved and actively concerned with our situation. “…was moved with compassion…” - This means Jesus felt deep sympathy and understanding for someone who had wronged him. He wasn't just annoyed; he was deeply saddened by their actions. “…and loosened him…” – This is a big one! Jesus released someone who had been punished severely, like being tricked or betrayed. It’s like releasing someone from a difficult situation. “…and forgave him the debt.” - This means Jesus didn't just let them off with a simple apology. He fully and completely forgave them for their wrongdoings. It was a complete and unconditional pardon. What’s the significance? This story is often used to illustrate that: God loves everyone, even those who have done terrible things. Forgiveness is crucial – it can heal broken relationships and move on from wrongdoing. God's mercy is limitless. It’s a powerful message about the possibility of redemption and hope. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context around this story? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?

Definition: But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 18:28. It's a really shocking and serious story about forgiveness and how we should treat others. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Servant: The verse describes a servant who was working for someone else. This isn’t just any job; it’s a very important one – a significant amount of money owed to them. One Hundred Pence: This is the key detail. The man owed one hundred pence . That's a lot of money! It represents a substantial debt, perhaps a significant financial burden. The Confrontation: The servant confronts his fellow servant. He doesn’t just ignore the debt; he aggressively tries to get it back from the person. The Violence: He takes the man by the throat – this is the most disturbing part. This isn't a gentle disagreement; it’s a violent act of demanding something. It implies a threat or a desire for punishment. What it Means - A Core Message about God’s Love & Justice This story is a powerful illustration of how God views our relationships with others. Here’s what it reveals: God's Perfect Justice: The verse highlights that God has a very strict and just view of forgiveness. He doesn't tolerate injustice or wrongdoing. The Importance of Reconciliation: The story shows that God is willing to deal with serious offenses, even if it means taking action to punish the offender. It emphasizes that forgiveness isn’t just about letting someone go; it’s about restoring the relationship. Limits on Our Actions: This incident illustrates a crucial principle: we shouldn't react with violence or harsh treatment towards others when they have wronged us. It shows that even in difficult situations, we should always strive for peaceful resolution. Symbolic Meaning (Beyond the Literal) The story is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of selfishness and greed. It suggests that if we become consumed by our own needs and desires, we can lose sight of God’s perspective – that He wants us to treat others with respect and compassion. In short, this verse tells us that God will not tolerate injustice or violence in relationships. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and treating each other with kindness and respect. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Connect it to a specific theological concept (like grace or redemption)?