Sunday: Rivalry Over Greatness — Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48
The disciples had developed a rivalry amongst themselves, comparing one another in self-importance. Jesus compared the humility required of a servant of God to a little child. When we have a humble spirit God promises to give us grace, to value us, to honor us, to hear us, and to lift us up. Being humble is a condition of true greatness and a condition for entering the Kingdom.
Monday: Warning Against Causing Believers to Stumble — Matthew 18:6-14; Mark 9:38-50; Luke 9:49-50
Jesus warns the disciples against causing believers to stumble. His instruction shows the principle of “loving one another” in action and cautions us to think before acting. He clearly states that causing another to stumble is a sin and subjects us to eternal punishment. The wisdom and discernment rests solely on the older believer to protect the sensitivities of the younger believer. The choices we make rarely affect only ourselves. The warning ends with a parable about a lost sheep. It emphasizes the value and importance of even one believer to God.
Tuesday: Conflict — Matthew 18:15-20
The theme in this passage is how to deal with conflict. The text refers to this “family” as ekklesia, meaning brotherhood, and it is how Jesus referred to the family of God. As we walk closely with one another and develop relationships, it is inevitable that from time-to-time conflicts will evolve. It is for this reason that Jesus spends a great deal of time discussing how to resolve these issues. It’s important to be direct about the situation. Exercising gentleness and humility, the people involved in the conflict should try to work out the situation amongst themselves, privately. If the conflict isn’t resolved, then brethren with wisdom and authority can be brought in to help resolve the conflict and bring restoration. Maintaining unity is critical to God’s heart.
Wednesday: Forgiveness — Matthew 18:21-22
When we seek to solve conflict with an atmosphere of humility and honesty, we take some risks. But the act of forgiveness mends relationships and strengthens bonds. Peter thought he was showing great love by offering to forgive at least seven times. Jesus responded that Peter should multiply that number exponentially. In essence, Jesus was pointing out that love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. In fact, love establishes a habit of forgiveness!
Thursday: Facing Ridicule — John 7:1-9
Jesus’s disciples were following Him in word and in deed. They were teaching and performing miracles. Jesus instructed that they should go out and share all they knew. It wasn’t time for Him to announce Himself publicly as Messiah, but nothing hindered them from beginning their public ministries. This passage records, however; that although the disciples had accepted in faith that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus’s actual brothers did not believe.
Friday: Journey through Samaria — Luke 9:51-56; John 7:10
Jesus knew the end of His time on earth was coming near. To fulfill His journey, He needed to travel to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead to prepare for His arrival in Samaria. But the people in Samaria would not welcome Jesus. At that time, the people just weren’t ready to accept Him. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their harsh reaction. His rebuke reminds us that we should do good when and where we can, and if the door closes, we should move on, and not waste time condemning.
Saturday: Commitment — Matthew 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-62
Those who commit to the work of God must resolve to hold fast. If they look back, they will draw back from their commitment. If they draw back, they will fall away. Complete commitment is what God requires.