Matthew 18:21-35 “Forgiveness”

“Forgiveness”

How often do we have to forgive someone? Peter thought he was generously offering seven times when Jesus shocks him by asserting seventy times seven. Hopefully one loses track at 489 times and will go on forgiving.

I. What is Forgiveness?

A. To release someone from a debt that is owed

1. This man owed ten thousand talents –

2. This is 67 million day’s wages for the average worker in Jesus’ day

3. Herod the Great collected 600 talents in a year

4. This man owed more money than there was money in the entire country

B. Unable to pay

1. The man and his family were to be sold as payment –

2. The servant begged for patience and he promised to pay it all –

C. Moved with compassion – the king released him from the entire debt –

II. Unbelief is Cruel –

A. After being forgiven his debt . . .

1. This man finds someone who owes him (in today’s money about $4,000) –

2. He took him by the throat, “Pay me what you owe!”

B. His “fellow” servant

1. Begged him using the exact same words as this ingrate who has his hands around his throat

2. Why are we so quick to judge others and desire to see them pay for their faults? – ,

C. When we demand justice for others, we act as if we are faultless –

1. Such demands for justice for others while excusing ourselves destroys community – ,

2. Grieve over your own sins far more than judging and despising others –

3. This man throws his fellow servant into prison –

III. Mercy Experienced Results in Mercy Offered to Others –

A. We live in community

1. Others reported this act of cruelty to the master

2. Community depends on accountability –

B. Mercy experienced results in mercy offered to others – .

C. Illustrated in the Lord’s Prayer –

1. Forgiveness requires that the person offended pays the price to make forgiveness possible

D. God’s anger is slow to be seen but is always warranted –

1. To reject the mercy shown in Christ is to anger Almighty God –

2. God’s anger requires punishment fitting the crime. Pay all that you owe –

3. This verse teaches an eternal hell because although our sins are done in time, they are against a Holy Eternal God and require eternal punishment.

Forgive as you have been forgiven or you will receive the just punishment that is due to you!