God’s plan is people-focused. God’s plan is for re-creation of a marred humanity–a humanity twisted and torqued by sin. Simply put, God’s plan is to save people and keep them saved. An oversimplification might suggest that Christ’s mission was to provide salvation and the Spirit’s mission is to secure and preserve.
Jesus taught the value of human beings. Consider the Gospel of Matthew. The old religion has gone astray and lost its focus (Matthew 5-7). So Jesus sends out his disciples to share a new message and power (Matthew 10). He illustrates the possibility of a changed reality (Matthew 13). One essential dynamic in this changed kingdom view is a fresh understanding of people as God’s image-bearers (Matthew 18). Living out these realities demands constant readiness and watchfulness from those who seek to follow and serve Jesus (Matthew 25).
Today’s sermon focuses on the fourth of these five Matthean discourses. No church can reach the potential God has placed before it without understanding the value God places on his human creation. This chapter (Matthew 18) is apparently spoken in response to the disciples’ discussion and question about greatness. Consider how Christians can live out the reality of the kingdom. Consider how we by our actions and attitudes declare that people matter.
Be humble. Find yourself and your place in God’s plan with humility.
Be accepting of others. Do not discard others and deny their place in the plan of God.
Protect others from sin. Do not be a cause of stumbling.
Protect yourself from sin. Watch yourself.
Value one another, even as the shepherd values the one lost sheep.
Correct one another with love and compassion, seeking restoration not alienation.
Forgive one another.