What is Matthew 18 about?

Matthew chapter 18 contains Scripture that reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people.

How many verses are in Matthew 18?

Matthew chapter 18 contains verses that offer wisdom and guidance for daily living and spiritual growth.

How can I apply Matthew 18 to my life?

Read Matthew 18 slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you. Consider how the themes relate to your current circumstances and journal about what God is teaching you.

Matthew Chapter 18

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Matthew 18 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 35 Bible verses from Matthew and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2. Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. 3. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7. Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! 8. If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. 9. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10. See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. 11. 12. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13. And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 15. If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19. Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20. For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” 21. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22. Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! 23. Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24. As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents. 25. Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. 26. Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27. His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him. 28. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ 29. So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30. But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. 31. When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. 32. Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me. 33. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ 34. In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. 35. That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 35 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

What stands out to you most in these 35 Bible verses?
How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 35 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 35 Bible verses from Matthew, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 35 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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Matthew 18 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

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Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

Main Message

Life Application

Reflection Questions

About These 35 Bible Verses

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

For Group Study

For Teaching and Preaching

For Prayer and Worship

Related Guides from the Hub

10 Powerful Opening Prayers for Bible Study: Simple Examples & Group Templates

From Tool to Companion: Why the Future of Bible Study is Conversational

5 Biblical Prayers for Anxiety: Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed

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