The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Children and Little Ones: Mt 18,1-14

In our overview of the chapter, we saw this part as the first three steps of Jesus' discourse and that will guide our reading. A closer look though shows a more complicated passage especially in the middle.

To investigate this, go through the passage verse by verse, note the key words or phrases in each and where they are repeated. This will build up a picture of the whole.
In particular, note how verses 5 and 6 are linked, though this may not be clear in all translations.
Look as well at verses 7 to 9. What is being said here? Compare the opening word of verse 7 with the opening word of verse 2.
Then, who is being addressed in verses 8 to 10?

Look at my response before continuing.

Children and the Kingdom: 18,1-5

It will be good to compare Matthew, 18,1-5, with Mk 9,33-37. See how Matthew has edited Mark and how he has given a new focus to the opening of the discourse.
What therefore is the question of the disciples in verse 1? What might be its implications?

Jesus then in verse 2 calls over a child. We could say the child becomes a visual aid, one which was too good to be missed because Luke also mentions the child (Lk 9,47). Note though how Matthew is different to the other two evangelists.
Remember that in the ancient world children had no rights, social or political.

Note the formality of Jesus' reply in verse 3. We've seen the kingdom of heaven a number of times. Look at 5,3 for example; or 10,7

What therefore does Jesus mean by "becoming like little children" and "humbling oneself"? How do the contrasting verses 3 & 4 bear the message? How might this be a preparation for the coming discussion of "little ones" in verses 6 to 14?

Welcoming children - see 25,31-46 and 19,13-15.

Now take a first look at my response

The Little Ones, 18,6-10

We have seen that the key word in this section is "stumble" as in NRSV or RNJB. Look at other translations and see the word that is often used.

Verse 6 is linked to the previous verse by "but" (as RNJB but often omitted).

As we have discovered, these verses are framed by the "little ones" in verses 6,10 and then 14. Verse 6 tells us who the little ones are. How has Jesus prepared for this theme in 17,27? How does the change from children to little ones change the focus of these verses?

We've seen that verses 7 to 9 are a woe oracle as a contrast to the Amen of verse 2.
Woes are best seen as warnings and Matthew has a number of them, 11,21 or chapter 23, for example.
Verses 8 and 9 are quite dramatic. Consider the underlying message, see 7,3-4. See also 5,27-30.

Moving on to verse 10, note who are being addressed in verses 8 to 10. Consider what this tell us about first part of the verse.
Consider the reference to angels? Have a look at Tobit 5,4-7.

The Wandering Sheep: 18,12-14

This parable is also found in Luke 15,3-7. See how the same parable is used in very different ways by the two evangelists. Look at my title for this sub-unit.

Suitable background for the theme of sheep will be found in 2 Samuel 7,7-8 and Ezekiel 34. For the shepherd's care of the flock, Psalm 23 is classic.

Note the difference between 18,13 and Lk 15,5.

Matthew's point is made in 18,14, note how it is different to Luke (Lk 15,7). Consider how this prepares for what follows.

Time now for my response

We now come to the central theme of the discourse, 18,15-20