An interesting point being indirectly made here is the distinction between the disciples and “the child” or “little one.” One could take a traditional view that the distinction is based on a difference in age between the two groups. But the teaching of Jesus goes on to talk in general terms about such a difference and he talks about the sheep that is lost. Obviously Jesus is talking about more than an individual sheep here. There is an inference that when he is talking about 'the child' before the group of disciples he is also talking about more than the members of a particular age group. He is talking about a type of person which may or may not be identified with the disciples. By singling out the individual sheep, we are reminded of steps in argumentation and the ‘some versus all’ argument. One may be part of a corporate discipleship group. But whether or not the individual person is the “adult child” is a more individual characteristic. Jesus also points out here that it is possible, indeed necessary, to become like a child in order to enter into the ‘kingdom of the heavens’. In terms of the argument presented in Reality Search this parallels a balanced awareness of both time and place.

31. Forgives

18:21-35

Forgive brother of him from heart

18:21-35 Then approaching (Jesus) Peter said “Lord how often can my brother sin against me and I continue to forgive him? Until seven times?” Jesus says to him. "I tell you not until seven times but until seventy times seven. The kingdom of the heavens is like a man who is a king and who wishes to take account of his slaves. He brings one debtor before him who owes ten thousand talents. As he had not the ability to repay this, the lord commanded that he be sold as also his wife and children and everything he has in order to repay the debt. The slave therefore fell down before him saying. “Defer you anger against me and I will repay you everything.” Filled with pity the Lord of that slave released him and forgave him the loan. But on going out that slave found one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii. Seizing him he throttled

him saying. “Repay what you owe.” Falling down his fellow-slave begged him saying. “Defer your anger with me and I will repay you.” But he did not want to do so and on going away had him thrown into prison until he should repay what he owed. Seeing all this his fellow-slaves were extremely upset and coming they explained to their lord what had taken place. Then calling him forward, his lord said to him. “Wicked slave. I forgave you all your debt because you begged me to do so. Should you not have taken pity on your fellow-slave as I took pity on you?” And being angry his Lord delivered him to the tormentors until he should repay everything owing to him. Thus also my heavenly Father will do to you, unless you forgive each of your brothers from your heart."

A point to notice about stories such as the one above is the language. Jesus is talking about behaviour within a group, in this case the group of slaves owned by the Lord. But in this paragraph he is also talking about the emerging community of ‘the church’ Jesus address Peter (whom he appoints as its leader) and stresses to him the need for forgiveness. This approach is within the structure of Matthew's Section F "Lead Through a Forgiving Relationship." Jesus demonstrates in his own life that despite all the failings of his followers he readily forgives and shares his "Kingdom" with them.

In the Reality Search analysis it is pointed out there is a progression in relationship which is evident in the closing verses of each section of this gospel. The particular Section here finishes with a ‘definition’ of the listeners as ‘brothers (and sisters)’