Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like the world. If you want to enter the kingdom at all you must humble yourself and take the position of a child - the lowest rank of all. We are to welcome each other as children in Jesus' name - because of our status as children of God through the work of Christ. But without some kind of hierarchy how are we to deal with sin and with those who go astray? Isn't there a need for a class of people who have the authority to decide what is right and wrong and to judge the conduct of those in the community? Something like the role of the Priests?

Jesus makes it clear that the problem of sin in the community of faith, is a problem of the entire community, not the responsibility of a select few. We all must be extremely careful that we do not cause one of these little ones to stumble and fall into sin! We all must deal aggressively and decisively with sin in our personal life. Every “little one” is precious to God, even those that wander off. So each of us must have that same concern for those who wander off and diligently seek to restore them to the community. We are all accountable to each other, and God has given His authority to confront sin to those who prayerfully gather in His name. If even two are gathered in His name they have the authority to deal with a straying brother or sister. The goal is to restore the sinner, but if they refuse to repent the gathered community is authorized to break off fellowship with that person because that authority rests with the gathered and prayerful community of Christ-followers where Jesus Himself is a constant presence in their midst.