Following Jesus' Example: Learning to forgive amid anger and pain.

Our Calling (1 Peter 2:21)

To be holy in all our conduct (1 Peter 1:15) .

Out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9).

To suffer (1 Peter 2:21).

To return blessing for cursing (1 Peter 3:8-9).

To God’s eternal glory in Christ ( 1 Peter 5:10).

To God’s glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3-9).

Confirm our calling and election (2 Peter 1:10-11).

Our Example (1 Peter 2:22-24)

Jesus did not sin (v.22 cf. Isa 53:9).

Jesus was not deceitful (v.22 cf. Isa 53:9).

Jesus was innocent and did not deserve to suffer.

Jesus did not revile in return (v.23 cf. Isa 53:7).

It hurts when we refuse to retaliate and take revenge.

Jesus suffered and made no threats (v.23 cf. Isa 53:7).

Jesus trusted his Father “the Just Judge” (v.24 cf. Isa 53:10).

Jesus paid our debt (v.24 cf. Isa 53:4).

Matthew 18:21-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant

Talent = 20 years wages for a laborer.

10,000 talents = ($6 Billion).

Denarii = A days wage for a laborer.

100 denarii = ($11,538.46).

We are commanded to forgive others debts (Matt 6:12).

Forgiving means we treat those who have wronged us kindly instead of cruelly (1 Peter 3:8-9).

Forgiving means I am not going to attack the persons character to others, behind there back.

Forgiving means I am not going to bring the matter up to myself, others, or the person.

Forgiving does not mean forgetting.

Look at the debt Jesus paid for you:

The cross is insulting:

Anyone who is hanged on a tree is cursed. (Deut. 21:23, Galatians 3:13).

Jesus endured:

Emotional pain

Being reviled/mocked.

Being falsely accused.

Being falsely rebuked.

Being “sorrowful, even to death) (Matt. 26:38).

Physical Pain

Roman crucifixion was one of the most brutal ways to die.

Spiritual Pain

Jesus, separated from his perfect relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit.

The Father and Holy Spirit having to watch and participate in the suffering and death of Jesus, the beloved son.

I am so evil the very Son of God had to die this way! We are so evil...

The cross is affirming: This is how much the Son of God loves us.

In view of Jesus’ example, How can I not cancel others debts?

Pain is a debt and needs to be paid down. This is why we ALL want to make our offenders suffer.

If I make a person suffer (pay down their own debt), it effects (changes) me.

Anger imprisons me.

Anger enslaves me.

Ultimately, I will be controlled by the anger.

Hebrews 12:15 tells us not to let a “root of bitterness” spring up and cause trouble, and defile many.

Anger works in a subterranean way, a hidden way. It’s there and effecting you, but you don’t know it.

If we don’t learn how to stop the hidden work of anger Jesus tells us in verse Matt. 18:34-35 we will be turned over for torture.

In order to follow Jesus’ example I must understand and accept that It hurts when I refuse to retaliate and take revenge.

I must not seek revenge, but rather trust the one who judges justly.

I am free when I forgive.

Jesus healed our brokenness (v.24 cf. Isa 53:5).

How can I do this?

It is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit.

I must invite Jesus to be with me and help me.

I must cancel the debt.

I must have deep compassion.

I must let them go!

I must be mindful and thankful for my healing that resulted from Jesus’ suffering.

Our Shepherd (vs. 25)

Jesus is the “Good Shepherd”

John 10:11

There are two kinds of sheep:

I can be a straying sheep (v.25 cf. Isa 53:6).

I can be a returning sheep.

Colossians 3:12–14 ESV

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.