“…..in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”-Matt. 18:16
There are numerous ways in which man would benefit from doing things God’s way– basing his decisions on God’s Word. Our text is a good example. Here we find Jesus telling us that a valid judgment can be made only if there are two or three witnesses. He based this on what was demanded in Deut. 19:15. In other words, Jesus did exactly what we ought to do, which is to be governed by the will of God as set forth in the Word of God. We should be so wise!
We would save ourselves a world of trouble if we observed this principle. Rather than going off half-cocked, rushing to judgment about another person we should insist that there be two or three witnesses to confirm the charge. Over and over again we see false charges presented with great emotion against an individual only to find out later that they were untrue. That’s what happens when we hear only one side of a matter, when we make judgments without all the facts.
There is something in our sinful nature that wants to believe the worst about others, especially when it works to our advantage. But if we are going to live by the Bible, like we claim to do, we must do as it says. That would include giving others the benefit of the doubt unless there are two or three witnesses. Relationships have been ruined, marriages destroyed, churches split, reputations soiled, and people unfairly incarcerated all because this rule wasn’t followed. And it’s too late to lock the gate after the calf is out, after the damage has been done.
Why are we so intent on judging folks without sufficient evidence against them? Are we afraid they might get by with something? What gives us the right to ignore what God demands and risk ruining someone’s life all because we fear they “might be guilty”? When we do things God’s way he has a way of making sure people reap what they sow. Nobody is getting away with anything. There is a payday some day. Rather than worry about the possible sin of others you better concern yourself with what is clearly a sin on your part when you ignore the command to base your judgments on two or three witnesses.
To show you the importance of this matter, I want to remind you that in John 5:31-40 Jesus Himself appealed to four witnesses to establish proof of who He was; John the Baptist (vs.32-35), His works (vs. 36); the Father (vs. 37-38); and the Scriptures (vs. 39-40). Since Jesus followed the principle of two or three witnesses so should we. Shame on us if we don’t!- HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
