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Matthew 18: Little Victories using the “Ministry of the Keys”

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Matthew 18:15-20 is one of Jesus’ main discourses concerning the forgiveness of sins. He is not describing the universal forgiveness of sins that he offers to us by his works of salvation he carried out. Christ Jesus is teaching his disciples the awesome privilege and serious responsibility they had as believers in him to use the forgiveness of sins with one another in a God-fearing way. This is often called the, “Ministry of the Keys” (in reference to the “binding” and “loosing” here in v.18). Jesus first instructs that personal Christian admonition must be made between individuals when sin has occurred (18:15,16). Christ says do this as an individual first. If the situation is not resolved, then take two or three witnesses who are respected by the person to give testimony to such a refusal. If personal Christian admonition (both as individuals and then as a group) is refused, then Jesus says, “tell it to the church” (v17a) This normally means the Christian congregation that you are a part of. If there is a refusal still to acknowledge and repent of sin, then Jesus says, “Treat him as you would a pagan and a tax collector” (v17b). This part of verse 17 is the visible aspect of “church discipline” that is described here.

This is not meant as negative process in the eyes of Jesus. It is meant to visibly show Christian admonition and love. These are meant as general principles, not three mechanical steps. For example, any stage of this process may be repeated at any time. Jesus is not saying that you should totally alienate this impenitent person. Jesus sat side-by-side with tax collectors and “sinners” to share the good news of forgiveness found in him and to teach them more. Remember, the goal is to “win” that impenitent person back for God’s kingdom. Christ Jesus has established this process for more than just orderly structure or formality in his church. He tells us that we act for him in such matters (v18). When we do follow these primary principles in regard to an impenitent sinner, our actions are just as valid in heaven before God the Father as if Christ himself dealt with that person. What an amazing gift God gives to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. We have the opportunity and ability to gain “little” victories every day as we carry these instructions from our Lord about sin and forgiveness.