Read Matthew 18 -- 20
In Today's Reading:
Humility; the lost sheep; forgiveness; marriage and divorce; rich young ruler; workers in the vineyard; two blind men healed
Peter asked a far more important question than he realized when he inquired of Jesus: Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus says to him, I say not to you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).
Peter thought he was being generous in suggesting seven times. This was twice as many times as required by the traditions of the scribes, plus one more, for a total of seven times. Unwillingness to forgive everyone of their sins against us while, at the same time, expecting Christ to forgive us of all our sins against Him everyday for a lifetime violates the teaching of the Lord Jesus. It is, therefore, a serious thing to hear Him say: If you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (6:15).
The Lord gives an illustration of a servant who owed ten thousand talents (meaning an infinite amount of money) to his king (18:24). The amount was impossible to repay even in a lifetime. The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed (released) him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him a hundred pence (mere pennies when compared to 10,000 talents): and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that (what) you owe. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison (18:26-30). When his lord was made aware of what took place, he was angry, and delivered (transferred) him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also to you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (18:31-35).
When the love of God controls our hearts, we find it much easier to forgive others than to demand our own rights, hold grudges, or exact our dues. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be . . . kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Word Studies:
18:6 offend = cause to sin, cause to stumble; 19:14 Suffer = Permit; 20:3 third hour = 9 a.m. to noon; 20:11 goodman of the house = landowner, a male head of a household (it does not refer to a man that is good); 20:15 Is thine eye evil? = Are you begrudging, jealous, or envious?; 20:26 minister = servant.
Cross References:
For Matthew 18:16: See Deut. 19:15. Matthew 19:4: See Genesis 1:27; 5:2. Matthew 19:5: See Genesis 2:24. Matthew 19:7: See Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Matthew 19:18: See Exodus 20:13-16; Deuteronomy 5:17-20. Matthew 19:19: See Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 5:16.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Adam Lock and the Bible Pathway International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts on WWCR, Nashville TN · Government Officials: Gov. Craig Benson (NH) and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH) · Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela · Major languages: English and Hindi · Religious freedom · 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Let the Lord have all your worries and cares; He is always thinking about you and things that concern you ( I Peter 5:7).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 5:10