URC Daily Devotion for 5-02-2026

St Matthew 18: 15 – 20

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.  But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’  If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Reflection

The records of one of our churches in the 18th century recalled the departure of members – in many cases a date of death together with the text and synopsis of the Funeral sermon: in others a note that they had moved to “distant parts” but for a few the fate was worse – one man was dismissed for “walking disorderly with Baptists.”

Matthew was writing for and reflecting the experience of local churches that he knew; our text is one of two instances where the word “church” is used – a term that Jesus is unlikely to have used during his earthly ministry; Gospel writers had no verbatim transcript of what Jesus had said but shared the understanding of his teaching that developed among believers, among whom there were those whose human failings caused concern. It seems clear that churches known to Matthew had no authority figure with disciplinary power but acted in a conciliar way. An offended believer should try and resolve matters quietly but, failing to do so, should take others to witness the discussion, which could become a confrontation, uncomfortable for those truly trying to follow in the way of Jesus.

But what are we to make of the phrase, “let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector”? This suggests that Matthew was unfamiliar with Gentile congregations and those like Zacchaeus who features in Luke’s Gospel. The harshness of these words is uncomfortable but does alert us to the need to be clear and firm when the health and integrity of a local congregation is compromised.

We rightly treasure the words, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” As Christians we are called to support and encourage each other – our Lord is with us as we meet, wherever and whenever: no need for specific places or formally appointed leaders, but there is a need for fellowship with other Christians.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
we pray that you will help and guide us
so that our lives may never cause others to stumble
but that our example helps others find the right path
with your light shining brightly in your Church. Amen