[1] At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [2] And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, [3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [6] But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [7] Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [8] Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. [9] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire. [10] Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. [11] For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. [12] How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? [13] And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. [14] Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Verses 1-6 Expanded Bible Comments
| At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [2] And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, [3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [6] But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What was it that Jesus was asked? | Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? |
| What did Jesus do? | Had them bring a little child to him. |
| Why did Jesus say they must be converted, weren't his disciples already converted? | They were converted, yet they still had not achieved the proper understanding. They had just been discussing which of them should be the greatest in the kingdom. It was from this self seeking attitude that they needed to be converted. |
| What did Jesus mean when he told them they must "become as little children?" | Little children have not yet learned to be grasping for "greatness," but are still completely dependant upon their parents. |
| What would happen to them if they did not "become as little children?" | They would not even enter the Kingdom of Heaven. |
| What happens to those who humble themselves for the Lord? | They shall be great in the kingdom of heaven. – Isa. 57:15 |
| Is the receiving of a little child in Jesus' name really the same as receiving Jesus Himself? | No. While the attitude of kindness should be there towards all (including little children,) yet the thought is the receiving of one who is "the least of these my brethren," or the receiving of one who is a mere babe in Christ. |
| What does it mean to "offend one of these little ones?" | The word "offend" would be better translated: "stumble." If one were to cause a brother (even a "babe" in Christ) to stumble, it would place them in very grave danger. |
| Who are "these little ones?" | True followers of Jesus, likely referring to "babes in Christ." We know this because Jesus adds "which believe in me." |
| What did our Lord say would be the lot of those who were to "offend one of these little ones?" | "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." |
| What is a millstone? | 
There were actually two parts in a functioning millstone. The "upper" and the "nether" (or lower) millstone. The lower is the one on which the grain is placed while the upper is the one which is rolled over the grain. |
| Why did the Lord reference a millstone? | |
| Was our Lord's response literal or prophetic? – Please explain your answer. | Deu. 24:6; "When you lend money to people, you are allowed to keep something of theirs as a guarantee that they will pay back the loan. But don't take one or both of their millstones, or else they may starve. They need these stones for grinding grain into flour to make bread." (CEV - somewhat of a paraphrase); Isa. 47:1-3 |
Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments
| Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did our Lord mean by "Woe unto the world because of offences?" | This applies especially to those in the world who ill-treat the saints, especially against greater light and knowledge. The trouble on the world in general is specially during the time of trouble. R1767 |
| How does this square up with "Blessed are the merciful?" | God is indeed merciful, but there is a limit. He is also Just, and there needs to be the squaring of Justice. We, however, are not in a position to completely see the whole picture, not while we are still on this side the veil. Therefore we need to be very merciful. |
| Why is it needful "that offences come?" | Because the Little Flock must have their loyalty tested and this cannot come unless these "offences" come. |
| If it is needful that offences come, why did our Lord say "but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh?" | R2661 |
| Does this impact how we look at Judas? | Please see R3884. |
Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments
| Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How can your hand or foot offend you? | The word "offend" is: Strong's G4624 The thought is that if what you are doing with your hands or feet is keeping you from making your calling and election sure, then you should cut off whatever it is that you are doing with hands or feet (or anything) that is interfering with the most important thing in life, i.e., living up to your consecration vows.σκανδαλίζω skandalizō skan-dal-id'-zo To “scandalize”; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): - (make to) offend. |
| How is it better to enter into life without hands or feet? | The Expanded Bible Comments is good here: "The offending hand would represent the doing of things that would be contrary to our highest spiritual interests. The offending foot would represent the going into forbidden paths of sin or self-gratification." |
| Why would one "be cast into everlasting fire?" | Because they allowed something of this world to keep them from being faithful to their covenant of self-sacrifice. |
| Does this verse teach the doctrine of eternal torment? | No. Gehenna was where the garbage of Jerusalem was destroyed. It was kept burning constantly, not allowed to go out, for this exact purpose. To make sure that all cast in there would be destroyed. Jesus used this as a picture of the complete destruction of Second Death. |
Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments
| And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How can you eye offend (or stumble) you? | Luke 17:32; Gen. 19:17, 24-26 |
| How could anyone pluck out their own eye? What does this mean? | A good example someone mentioned was "Take your television and throw it out the window." TV is not an evil thing in itself, but if you time is so taken up by watching TV that you are spending all your time doing that, where is the time for study, for serving the Lord? |
| Does this verse teach eternal torment? | No more than did the previous verse. |
| What does it mean to be in danger of being "cast into the Gehenna of fire?" | This is serious business. This means one would be in danger of dying the Second Death, from which there is no recovery, no resurrection. |
Please read R3797. |
|
Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments
| Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| "Take heed that ye despise not..." - Who is "ye?" | He is talking to his disciples. |
| What does Jesus answer about angels tell us? | It tells us that each of the saints has at least one angel watching over them, and these angels have direct access to God. |
| Why is it not a good idea to "despise one of these little ones?" | Because they have the protection of Heaven. If just one angel could destroy 185,000 Assyrians in one night, do you really want to have one of them angry with you? – 2 Kings 19:35 |
Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments
| For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Since verse 11 begins with "For," what does verse 11 have to do with verse 10? | Nothing, it is Spurious. However this phrase does occur in Luke 19:10, but in a different context. |
| What was lost? | Mankind was lost. They lost paradise (Eden), human perfection, fellowship with God. E456:2 |
Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments
| How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What is pictured by the 100 sheep? | The Little Flock. |
| What is pictured by the one that had gone astray? | James 5:20 |
| Does this picture the Lord leaving the majority of his flock unprotected? | No. – Remember the context. In vs. 10 Jesus told us that angels watch over "these little ones." The shepherd is not leaving the sheep unprotected. This is designed to show the care the Lord takes over all his sheep, including those who are straying. He will so arrange that any in this condition will have opportunity to be recovered so long as they have not gone to the point where they cannot be recovered. |
Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments
| And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Does this verse teach that one who stumbles is of more importance than those who are always faithful? | No. |
| What does this verse teach? | It shows the great care the Lord has for any of His people. |
Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments
| Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Does this mean that none of the spirit-begotten will fail and fall into the second death? | No. |
[15] Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [16] But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. [18] Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments
| Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Is this speaking of the world or of the brethren? | The brethren. However, it is also a good practice to follow this with the world as well. |
| What does it mean for another to trespass against you? | Strong's G264 This word is almost always translated as sin.ἁμαρτάνω hamartanō ham-ar-tan'-o Perhaps from G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G3313; properly to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), that is, (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin: - for your faults, offend, sin, trespass. |
| Before taking any action should you first discuss this with a trusted friend or family member? | No. |
| What course of action should you take? | Go to the one who sinned against or offended you and talk it over with them. |
| What is the purpose of taking this action? | Reconciliation. |
| What should be your attitude in doing this? | It should be a loving one with the desire to correct the situation. |
Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments
| But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What if the brother will not hear you? | Take one or two other brethren with you so that all may be verified. |
| In the follow-up meeting, what should be our attitude? | To settle the matter as between brethren (not as between enemies.) |
| What is the purpose of taking others to this meeting? | They are witnesses. |
| Before going to this follow-up meeting, should you explain the situation to the others? | No, because this could prejudice them. |
Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments
| And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What should be done if, after having a follow-up meeting which included other brethren, the situation is still unresolved? | Bring the matter before the ecclesia. |
| If the issue is still not resolved, how should we then treat the offending brother? | The same as you would treat one of the world. |
Please read F414:1-416:2 |
|
Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments
| Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| "Whatsoever you shall bind..." Who is "you?" | The Apostles. Acts 15:19-20 (James) |
| What does it mean to "bind on earth?" | Their rulings or proclamations are binding on the church in the flesh. |
| What does it mean to "loose on earth?" | 1 Tim. 4:1-5; F220:1 |
| Does this binding or loosing apply to the entire church? | According to Pastor Russell the answer is no. It was only true of the Apostles. |
While this does not appear to be directly stated, it is implied by the following scriptures: Acts 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 5:30-32; 10:38-41; 13:30-31 and especially 1 Cor. 15:8-9.
Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments
| Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| If two agree, does this make it binding on earth? | That is not what is said. If two agree on something (in harmony with the Divine will) they ASK, then "it shall be done for them." |
Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments
| For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What happens when two or more of the Lord's followers come together "in his name?" | Jesus said "there am I in the midst of them." |
| What does it mean to gather together in the name of Jesus? | It indicates this is not just some social get together. Rather it is for some heavenly purpose such as study, testimony, witness work, etc. |
[21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. [23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. [24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. [28] But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. [31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: [33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. [35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Verses 21-22 Expanded Bible Comments
| Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What was Peter's question? | How often should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? |
| Did Peter's question indicate that he was on the right track? | While he did not yet grasp the depth of the Lords mercy, he was on the right track. He realized that he should forgive multiple times. |
| What answer did Jesus give him? | To forgive him seventy times seven. This does not mean we should say: "That's one. You have 489 to go." We should remember that it is not the New Creature who has sinned against us, but rather it was his fallen flesh. |
| Should this forgiveness be given if our brother does not ask for forgiveness or show repentance? | Luke 17:3-4; Matt. 6:12,14-15 |
Verses 23-27 Expanded Bible Comments
| Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. [24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Does this parable apply to the world? | No. "Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto.." We should remember that "the kingdom of heaven" refers to that which has an impact on the consecrated class who are running for the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This, therefore, includes both the true and the nominal church. |
| Who is pictured by "a certain king?" | God. |
| Who would be represented by "his servants?" | Those who claim to be his consecrated people during the Gospel Age. |
| What is indicated by the king "would take account of his servants." | It indicates that those who claim to be the Lord's people have some degree of responsibility for their conduct. |
| How much did the one servant owe? | Ten thousand talents. |
| How much is one talent? How much is ten thousand talents? |
Exo. 38:25-26 100 talents + 1,775 shekels. ½ shekel for each man. 1 shekel = 20 gerahs. Exo. 30:13. 603,550 men. This is equivalent to: 100 talents + 1775 shekels = 603,550 * ½ shekel. 100 talents + 1775 shekels = 301,775 shekels. Subtract 1775 shekels from each side of the equation. 100 talents = 300,000 shekels. Divide by 100: 1 talent = 3,000 shekels (or 60,000 gerahs.) According to Wikipedia one talent (75 lb) of silver would be worth (in Feb. 2016) about $16,500. If it were one talent of gold, about 1.25 million dollars. At this rate, ten thousand talents of silver would be about 165 million dollars. Of gold about 12.5 billion dollars! |
| What is pictured by the one who owed the king ten thousand talents? | Those of the fallen race who claim to be the Lord's consecrated children. |
| Did the servant have enough to pay his debt? | No. |
| What did the king command to be done in order to square the man's debt? | He demanded that the man, his wife and children and all that he owned to be sold. |
| What does this picture? | It could picture the human race, all of whom were sold into sin by our first parents. |
| What is pictured by the servant worshipping the king? | The making of a consecration. |
| What is the importance of the servant asking the lord for patience? | God does not forgive our sins until we acknowledge our sins and ask his forgiveness. R2295 |
| What is pictured by the servant saying he would pay his debt? | The attitude of repentence and striving to do the Lord's will. |
| How did the lord of that servant react, i.e., what did he do? | He forgave the servant all his debt. |
| What does this picture. | Justification. |
Verses 28-30 Expanded Bible Comments
| But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Who are the "fellowservants" of this parable? | The Brethren, the Spirit begotten. |
| Who is "the same servant?" | Those claiming to be the Lord's people. |
| How much did this fellowservant owe the "same servant?" | 100 pence. A pence is a penny. In the New Testament a penny was a day's wage. According to the National Average Wage Index the average annual salary for 2015 was $48,098.63. This works out to be about $192.39 per day. That would make 100 pence equal to 100 days wages or $19,239. |
| What did "the same servant" demand of the one fellowservant who owed him? | Pay me all you owe me. |
| How did the "fellowservant" react? | Please be patient and I will pay you all that I owe. |
| How did the servant who had been forgiven his debt of 10,000 talents respond? | Without mercy. He had the man sent to prison until the debt could be paid. |
Verses 31-34 Expanded Bible Comments
| So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: [33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How did the lord of that servant find out what the servant who owed him 10,000 talents had done? | His other servants told him. |
| What did the lord tell the wicked servant? | Basically, "I forgave you a debt about 1,000 times greater than what the other servant owed you. And this is how you treat him! You should have shown mercy, even as I did for you!" |
| What did his lord then do to the wicked servant? | He turned him over to the hands of justice until the debt should be paid in full. |
Verse 35 Expanded Bible Comments
| So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Can any of us afford to carry the weight of our sins before God? | No. |
| What would be the result if our sins were not forgiven? | "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23 |
| What is the import of this lesson to us? | |