Bible Study of the week
The 14th Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus offers practical advice to his disciples on how individuals - and the church as a whole - should go about restoring relationships when one member has sinned against another.

Jesus said to the disciples: ¹⁵“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. ¹⁶But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Gospel Refection Questions: 

• What do Jesus’ closing words in this text, “Where two or three are gathered together…” mean to you?
• How does Jesus suggest we handle disagreements in the church?
• Think of someone you have wronged in the past, or someone who has wronged you. Take time this week to remember that person in prayer.

Prayer: 

O Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on
the coming weekend's Gospel text before worship.  We encourage you
to read the text, reflect on the questions with others. 
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