Cross Sized Forgiveness

Sermon Notes March 19, 2017 Matthew 18:21-35 Short Review Briefly summarize the message. Look for the following key points: 1. Peter’s question 2. The Parable 3. What is distinctive about forgiveness with the aroma of the cross? Some Questions for Discussion: Focus the discussion on: How are the good deeds of Christians (forgiveness in particular) different from the good deeds of other people so that they bring glory to the Father? (Mt. 5:16) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. When is forgiveness easy to offer? When is forgiveness hard to offer? Have you ever struggled with Peter’s question? (18:21) Would you describe the situation you faced? What resonated with you in the story Jesus told? Why, in your view, did ‘Prescott’ not forgive ‘Louie?’ Can you translate that into our time and our lives today? 6. Think about the forgiveness that God expects from His people: a. How is it based on experiencing something supernatural? Read and comment on 18:27; Ephesians 5:32. [Why can some (like ‘Prescott’) seem to receive this gift but be unchanged by it? What does it say about them?] b. What does the King expect from those who have experienced His grace and mercy? What is the pattern of forgiveness and showing mercy in His people? Read and comment on 18:33. 7. Read Matthew 5:16. Doesn’t everyone believe that forgiving is a good thing and a virtue? How does our forgiveness draw attention to our Father’s glory?