RSV ~ Matthew 18 Notes

Mt 18:1-35 | ISB Notes

The fourth discourse in Matthew (see outline). Jesus teaches about life in the Church, where the greatness of her leaders is measured by humility, service (18:1-14), and boundless mercy (18:21-35).

Mt 18:1 | ISB Notes

Who is the greatest … ?: A question prompted by Jesus’ favoritism and honor of Peter in the previous episodes (16:17-19; 17:1, 27).

Mt 18:3 | ISB Notes

like children: Total dependence on God is required to enter the kingdom. Childlike simplicity is especially demanded of the apostles, who must lead the Church with a spirit of servanthood and humility. All, however, are called to trust the Father for daily provisions (6:25-33) and the graces necessary for salvation (CCC 2785).

Mt 18:6 | ISB Notes

who believe in me: Religious scandal is a stumbling block for others and may even cause some members of the Church to lose their faith (CCC 2284-85).

a great millstone: A stone so large that donkeys were required to turn it when milling grain (cf. Rev 18:21). This punishment by drowning was often reserved for the worst criminals.

Mt 18:8-9 | ISB Notes

Jesus’ severe language underscores the great dangers of sin. See note on Mt 5:29.

Mt 18:10 | ISB Notes

their angels: Scripture portrays God’s angels as protectors, guides, and helpers of his people (Tob 12:15; Job 33:23-24; Ps 34:7; 91:11; Acts 12:15; Heb 1:14). The elect angels already participate in glory as they behold the face of God in heaven (CCC 329, 336).

• This verse is traditionally cited as biblical evidence for guardian angels. Several Church Fathers teach that God assigns everyone an angel to watch over him throughout life.

Mt 18:12 | ISB Notes

a hundred sheep: Jesus is often described as a shepherd (25:32; Jn 10:1-18; 1 Pet 2:25).

• This parable alludes to the messianic prophecy of Ezek 34:11-31. In context, Ezekiel foretells that God himself would assume the role of a shepherd to seek out and rescue the lost sheep of his fold.

• Allegorically (St. Hilary, St. Anselm): the lost sheep represent mankind, who went astray in sin. The 99 on the hills are the angels in heaven. In the Incarnation, Christ temporarily descended from the hills to seek the lost souls of men (cf. 15:24; Lk 19:10); through the redemption, Christ restores men to grace and raises them again to the company of the angels (cf. Heb 12:22).

Mt 18:15-20 | ISB Notes

Church discipline is a serious matter for her leaders. Jesus outlines a three-step procedure for (1) privately confronting the sinner, (2) addressing the sin before a circle of witnesses, and (3) bringing the matter before the Church. Emphasis is placed on reconciliation. If the member resists correction, the Church’s leaders (apostles and successors) may exercise Christ’s authority by disciplining the impenitent. This final decision is backed even by the Father (18:19) (CCC 1463).

Mt 18:16 | ISB Notes

two or three witnesses: Criteria for judicial testimony in Old Covenant Israel (Deut 19:15). Jesus’ language reinforces the Church’s identity as the restored Israel of the New Covenant (Gal 6:16; cf. 2 Cor 13:1). See note on Mt 5:14.

Mt 18:17 | ISB Notes

the Church: Mentioned only here and 16:18 in the Gospels. Whereas 16:18 envisions Peter’s authority over the universal Church, this verse pertains to a local congregation of Christians. Gentile …

tax collector: Two groups generally despised by first-century Jews. The choice of these terms suggest that Jesus requires a policy of non-association with those who are disciplined by leaders of the Church (cf. 1 Cor 5:9-13; 2 Cor 6:14-15).

Mt 18:18 | ISB Notes

whatever you bind … loose: In 16:19, Peter was invested with Christ’s authority as the visible head of the Church. A derivative—but subordinate—authority is given also to the apostles as royal ministers in the kingdom. Jesus’ authority in this context is related to Church discipline; by extension, it is also a sacramental authority to forgive sins (cf. Jn 20:23; CCC 553, 1444). See notes on Mt 9:8 and 16:19.

Mt 18:22 | ISB Notes

seventy times seven: Denotes limitless forgiveness and mercy.

• Jesus contrasts the behavior expected of the apostles with the boundless vengeance of Lamech in Gen 4:24 (LXX), where the same figures of “seven” and “seventy times seven” are contrasted (CCC 982).

Mt 18:24 | ISB Notes

ten thousand talents: A “talent” (coin) is equivalent to 6,000 denarii, or 20 years’ wages for a laborer.

The figure is exaggerated for emphasis: the parable accentuates the king’s (God’s) mercy in forgiving an incalculable debt that was impossible for the servant (man) to repay.

Mt 18:28 | ISB Notes

a hundred denarii: A minor debt, since a “denarius” was equivalent to a single day’s wage for a laborer (cf. 20:2). Repayment of 100 days’ wages required patience (18:29) but was not impossible.

Mt 18:35 | ISB Notes

forgive your brother: Jesus demonstrates the folly of mercilessness. One forgiven an eternal debt of sin should readily forgive others of much smaller debts. The lesson is summarized in Jesus’ commentary on the Our Father in 6:14-15 (cf. Jas 2:13; CCC 2842-43).