Matthew 18:15–20 discusses the teachings of Jesus on restoring a brother in conflict situations, emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness.
Jesus doesn’t avoid hard topics. He shows us how to walk through them with both truth and grace.
In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus lays out a clear process for restoring a fellow believer who has sinned against us. This passage is foundational for healthy relationships and spiritual accountability within the church.
Matthew 18:15–20 (NASB 2020)
15 Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. 17 And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- Jesus was addressing His disciples as He taught them about relationships in the Kingdom
- He also speaks to believers today, especially those in leadership and discipleship roles
What Happened?
- Jesus laid out a step-by-step process for restoring a brother who has sinned
- He emphasized private correction first, then group involvement, and finally church-wide accountability
- He reinforced the spiritual authority granted to believers when they act in unity and humility
The Mood: Honest, Loving, Spiritually Weighty
- Jesus doesn’t shy away from conflict
- His approach is both gracious and firm
- The presence of God is promised in the midst of accountability and agreement
The Principle: Restoration Requires Truth, Love, and Order
- Sin is real, and it damages relationships
- Confrontation is necessary, but it should always be done in love
- Unity in prayer and agreement invites the presence and power of God
- Accountability leads to healing, not shame
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples were likely struck by the seriousness of handling sin in the community
- Jesus gave them a process that was clear, intentional, and redemptive
- This teaching added depth to their understanding of Kingdom relationships
What This Means for Us in 2025
We live in a time of canceled relationships and public shame, but Jesus offers a different path:
- Confront with compassion and truth
- Value restoration over retaliation
- Walk in humble spiritual authority
- Invite God’s presence into every hard conversation
Action Steps for Today
- Pray before confronting. Let God prepare your heart.
- Start private. Don’t gossip—go to the person directly.
- Bring witnesses only when necessary. Use discretion. And this witness must have witnessed the same thing that you have.
- Include church leadership if unresolved. Follow the model.
- Pray in unity. Watch God move in your relationships.
Final Prayer
Jesus, Give me courage to confront with love, and grace to receive correction. Teach me how to restore, not reject. Let my life reflect the healing power of unity. Be present in every conversation, especially the hard ones. In Your name, Amen.
Restoration is the goal. Unity is the path. Jesus is the presence.
