What To Do When Someone Hurts Me; Learning Under Jesus

Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative in order to present Jesus in the context he walked in with the unknown disciple that narrates presenting my thoughts and sparking more thoughts with his questions. Enjoy. Sending the child back to his parents, Jesus continued.

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.“

Jewish tradition taught this so one could stop doing wrong and not be shamed, losing their reputation.

“But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.“

This lines up with the Law. Moses said, “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Casting them out was also done when someone wouldn’t repent of their sin. They could no longer be part of God’s people, Israel. Is Jesus calling for us to do the same here?

Jesus continued, “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.“

This is a judicial matter, and Jesus says we are acting with the authority of heaven? Can we handle that authority? To have a say in the future of someone else?

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

An interesting change of tone, from judging to prayer. It reminds me of the saying that “‘where two or three are gathered to study God’s Word, God is there.'” Jesus says He’s the Divine omnipresence here… Matthew 18:15-20