Passage: Matthew 18:21-35
Points:
1. Forgiveness is not a matter of law but of the heart.
2. When we are forgiven we should respond to others with forgiveness as well.
3. Mercy received should result in mercy given.
Personalize
The story reveals the heart of forgiveness. Peter asked Jesus: ”Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” (v. 21) Jesus told Peter not only seven times but seventy seven times. Jesus is pointing out to Peter that forgiveness is not a matter of the law but a matter of the heart. The law required seven times, but Jesus explains that there is no limit to our forgiveness. Our forgiveness of others is an expression of a grateful heart.
The parable of the master and servant reveals an act of mercy given by the master to the servant. The servant owed the master a great debt, but instead of requiring the servant’s payment the master freely forgave the servant’s debt and showed him mercy. Even though the servant received mercy he was unwilling to give mercy to a fellow servant who owed him money. The master scolded the servant because he had received mercy but did not give mercy to others.
We have been forgiven of a great debt, the debt of sin. The Lord has revealed his forgiveness and mercy. He has lavished his love upon us. This mercy should change our heart toward others. If we are wronged by someone else we should respond with mercy and forgiveness. Not because we are required, but because we know what it means to be forgiven. As we have received mercy, may we also give mercy to others.
Lord
May our response to others be one of mercy. We are so grateful you have been merciful toward us. We have not deserved your love and forgiveness, yet through your son, Jesus we have received an overflow of your love and mercy. May your love and mercy overflow from our lives to the lives of others.
