This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 18:15-22, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once, Jesus was teaching His disciples. He told them that if their brother sins against them, they should go and talk to their brother alone, just the two of them. They should try to make things right and become brothers again. If their brother listened and apologized, then everything was okay.
But if their brother didn’t listen, then they should bring one or two along with them to help. This way, there would be more people to talk to the person and explain why what they did was wrong. If the person still didn’t want to make things right, then they should tell the whole church.
Jesus said that it’s important to keep trying to make things right, even if it’s hard. And if someone still refuses to listen, then it’s okay to treat them like they’re not a brother anymore.
Jesus also said that when we pray and ask for something with another person, God will listen and answer our prayer. He also promised that when two or three people come together in His name, He will be there with them.
One of the disciples, Peter, asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times do I have to forgive my brother if he does something wrong to me? Seven times?”
But Jesus said, “No, you should forgive them not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!”
Biblical Lessons
- It’s important to talk to someone if they hurt you and try to make things right.
- If someone doesn’t listen, it’s okay to ask for help from others.
- Keep trying to make things right, even if it’s hard.
- Jesus promises to be with us when we pray together and work together.
Related Stories
Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt
Must-Read Christian Books
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon