FORGIVE
AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #30
Forgive Offenders
“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
“Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21–22).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Jesus is using a teaching technique of overstatement or exaggeration, familiar characteristic in Semitic speech and teaching. It is a means of emphasis.
For example, Luke 14:26, Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.”
Another example is found in Matthew 19:24 when Jesus says, “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
These exaggerations are meant to sound preposterous! They say, in essence, there is ONLY THIS WAY. Forget finding another way!
When Peter came to Jesus and asked “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”, Jesus’ answer is that CHRISTIANS ALWAYS FORGIVE and, THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF TIMES!
Finally, what is the truth or motivation behind ENDLESS FORGIVENESS?
1. This is an attribute of God. Luke 23:34 , Daniel 9:9 , 1 John 1:9
2. This is commanded and expected of a true follower of Christ. Matthew6:14,
3. This maintains and strengthens our connection with God. Matthew 6:15
4. It brings healing and good health Proverbs 3:1-8
5. It brings freedom Matthew 5:23-16
Now it is your turn:
HOW MUST YOU DO IT?
HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT?
Gods says to try Him and know that He is God!
Your Brother and Friend, Mike Young