This fourth major teaching in Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29) focuses on how people responded to the Messiah. The disciples accepted him, while the Jewish leaders and most people did not. As this division increased, Jesus taught his disciples about community life.
To follow the standards of Jesus, a community should live with:
humility (18:1–5),
sensitivity (18:6–9),
compassion (18:10–14),
discipline (18:15–18), and
forgiveness (18:21–35).
Like the other teachings, a closing statement (19:1–2) connects to the next section.