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Matthew 18:17
In Matthew 18:17 is the third point that Jesus makes in this three-point series of instructions from Jesus concerning how we should seek to resolve issues between ourselves and others. For a quick review: In Matthew 18:15 Jesus teaches us that we should bring our issues to one another (with a heart seeking resolution in Christ). In Matthew 18:16 Jesus teaches us that if we are refused by the other party involved, we should seek two or three witnesses to go with us in support as we seek to resolve the issue.
In Matthew 18:17 (NKJV) Jesus teaches, “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” An important note in this passage is the reputation of a tax collector. They were considered cheats, liars, and thieves by society in general. Jesus uses the bad example of tax collectors in Matthew 5:46 as He teaches us to have love for our enemies. He states, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” And in Matthew 21:31c-32 (NIV) Jesus declares to the chief priests and the elders, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” We must also keep in mind that Matthew (the person who wrote this gospel through the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit) was a tax collector before Jesus called him to salvation (Matthew 9:9-13). The difference in Matthew is because he did not refuse Jesus – he believed in the saving and forgiving power of Christ Jesus, and healing was restored immediately in his life.
The person that Jesus is speaking of in Matthew 18:15-17 is someone who refuses to mend their ways in the sinful nature. This person has no desire to seek God’s will for their life.
This is an example that everyone will not seek God’s will for their life.
This is an example that we should always represent Jesus, even when we are rejected for doing so.
We must realize and understand that we cannot, of ourselves, save others – that is between that person and God. To reach this point in conflict resolution, the other person has rejected your attempt to resolve the issue, the other person has rejected the attempt of others in support of you to resolve the issue, and the other person has even rejected the attempt of the church to intercede in the resolution. There is a point in which Jesus teaches us that once we have done all we can to resolve the issue [in the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit which dwells within us as we keep our faith in Jesus (John 14:15-18, 26)] we are to discontinue communication with this person. This is tough, but maybe God has a plan for someone else to lead that person to Him – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
This is a tough lesson as you teach us to love our neighbor and our enemies. We do not want to leave issues unresolved. Please help us to realize and understand that we cannot control the thoughts and minds of others as we each have the ability to make our own decisions – and others do not always make the same decisions for conflict resolution that we are instructed to do in Christ Jesus who teaches us the way, the truth, and the life – in Him (John14:6). Please help us to do our part as guided by Your Holy Spirit to always keep the peace with everyone, and for those who refuse, please help us to step back at the right time and let You take over – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.