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Matthew-18

Restoring What Was Lost: A Devotional Study on Matthew 18​

Introduction​

In Matthew 18, we find Jesus and His disciples engaged in a pressing conversation surrounding forgiveness and restoration. It provides us with insight into the transformative power of forgiveness, the importance of forgiving others, and restoring what was lost.

Section 1: Forgive Your Brother (Matthew 18:21-35)​

Devotional Thought: Peter asks Jesus a crucial question regarding how many times we should forgive our brother. Jesus' response is astonishing - we should forgive our brother not just seven times but seventy times seven times. Indeed, a powerful message about the inexhaustible supply of God's forgiveness. Let's reflect on how we can fathom the measureless capacity of God's forgiveness and how it helps us in restoring relationships.

Reflection Questions:

  • How has God's forgiveness helped you in restoring broken relationships?
  • How can we extend God's measureless capacities of forgiveness in our daily lives?

Section 2: The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14)​

Devotional Thought: In this parable, Jesus compares a lost sheep (representing a straying member of a community) with a lost coin (representing a community member's lost value). It provides us with a deeper understanding of the importance of restoring what was lost and seeking what had been misplaced. Take some time today to reflect on the importance of restoring the lost and seeking the misplaced.

Reflection Questions:

  • Have we ever lost our way, and were restored by the community?
  • How can we actively reach out to restore what is lost within our community?

Section 3: The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)​

Devotional Thought: In this parable, Jesus reveals the importance of following up with restored relationships with forgiveness and mercy. An unmerciful servant, forgiven by his master, doesn't extend the forgiveness he received to his own servant in need. Jesus' story gives us an understanding of how our relationships can revert to a lack of mercy and forgiveness. Consider today how we can actively follow up on restored relationships with mercy and forgiveness.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have you demonstrated mercy and forgiveness to the previously restored relationships?
  • How do we carry out mercy and forgiveness in our daily lives, especially in those restored relationships?

Conclusion:​

In conclusion, Matthew 18 exhorts us to extend God's measureless goodness of forgiveness to others. It teaches us the importance of restoration, reaching out to those lost or misplaced, and following up with acts of mercy and forgiveness. May we carry the lessons of Matthew 18 into our daily lives and extend God's goodness abundantly.