How Did Jesus Correct Others?

Get behind Me, Satan…Matthew 16:23

(follow up to not our home)

Jesus corrected public figures in public. He corrected His disciples in private. He corrected people in His own authority.

Regarding the religious leaders.

Jesus corrected the false teachings of the leadership by saying, You have heard it said, but I say to you, Matthew 5. These words were said in public, at the sermon on the mount. “Woe to you…hypocrites, Matthew 23.  A confrontation in public for all to hear.  Jesus made a whip of cords and drove the money-changers out of the Temple, Mathew 21.

Regarding His disciples.

Jesus rebuked their lack of faith by calming the sea and the winds, Matthew 8. The two on the road to Emmaus using the Scriptures, Luke 24. He corrected Peter directly, get behind Me Satan, Matthew 16, and What if he remains until I come? John 21. Are you able to drink the cup? When James and John wanted to be at His right and left side, Matthew 29. 

Each time, Jesus corrected in His own authority. Not having His authority, we can only follow His example, not His exact words. Following His example, we would confront public leaders in public. That is, stand up to our elected officials publicly. We are to stand up to our fellow servants privately. 

In fact, Jesus provided a way to do this very thing, Matthew 18, Verses 15 thru 17. This comes right after His parable of the lost sheep. The good shepherd would leave the 99 sheep in safekeeping and go after the lost sheep. This is what the Father does, verse 14. 

Jesus’ remedy for disputes was simple and at the same time difficult. Step 1: Verse 15: if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Step 2: Verse 16: But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses ever word may be established.’ Step 3: Verse 17: And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.