Matthew 18:15-20.

¹⁵ “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained by investing in your brother.

¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be proven by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. And if he refuses to listen even to the assembly, consider him to be a Gentile and a tax collector.

¹⁸ Honestly, I am telling you, whatever you lock on earth will be locked in the sky, and whatever you unlock on earth will be unlocked in the sky.

¹⁹ Again I am telling you, if two of you agree on the land about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in the sky.

²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” _________________________________________

investing in rescue

The intent of this reconciliation chapter is not to give Christians a legal excuse for abandoning those who hurt them. Jesus was telling his disciples to expect to be sinned against, and betrayed. He then outlines a procedure to follow that is designed to lead to reconciliation and rescue. Obedience to Christ means investing in those who have wronged us and others. It involves more than simply forgiving and forgetting the sin. It requires leading the sinner in the path of reconciliation and renewal.

It is in that context that Jesus instructs his disciples to invite one or two others into the discussion. He has provided – within the body – others who can help us get to those who have failed, and bring them back. He has gifted some with special abilities in counseling and emotional healing.

Essential to the reconciliation process is the united prayer of those seeking to rescue the lost. It is in this context that Jesus promises his special presence in our midst when we pray. As we seek to win back the brother who has gone astray, the power of God will manifest as we come to him for guidance, and intercede for the very person who has wronged us by his departure.

LORD, we accept your command to lead those who have left us – back to you.