Alas this is miles away from the intention of Jesus in this teaching. Far be it that the sinner be tossed into outer darkness, rather the intention of gently and quietly pointing out sin is the restoration of the sinner back into active relationship with Jesus as saviour.
Jesus here seeks restoration for the sinner and that the sinner’s error should be pointed out with the least public exposure in the hope of the greatest opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. Spiritual health and restoration and grace are of paramount importance.
Many in our Lutheran schools will identify with the general tenets of this week’s gospel reading. Those in our schools who are familiar with restorative practices will recognise many of the steps outlined in this section of Matthew’s gospel. And those who are familiar with restorative practices will recognise the intent behind the admonition of the ‘sinner’, namely the rescuing of the wayward person or the correction of the sinner such that they can be restored back into the community.
Finally, as scholars point out, verse 20 echoes the rabbinic sentence, “Two that sit together occupied in the Law have the Presence (shekinah) among them”; except that Jesus says that he is in the midst of those who gather together in his name; that is the gospel of grace, the power of Jesus love through his sacrifice, has now superseded the law with its demands.
When next we are tempted to remonstrate with the whole student body (or the whole class) at one of our weekly assemblies we may do well to consider whether our intentions are gracious and restorative toward the sinner(s) or whether we are keen to extract revenge and exclusion.
Loyd R Fyffe
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