SECTION B: THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (A) “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” Recount J...

(a) Jesus' response on forgiveness (Matthew 18)

• When Peter asked how often he should forgive his brother who sinned against him, suggesting as many as seven times, Jesus replied, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven." This means forgiveness should be limitless.
• To illustrate, Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving servant. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
• One servant owed him ten thousand talents but could not pay. The master ordered him, his wife, children and possessions to be sold to make payment.
• The servant fell on his knees and begged for patience, promising to repay everything. Out of pity, the master released him and forgave the whole enormous debt.
• But that same servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a hundred denarii, a small sum. He seized him by the throat, demanding payment, and though the man begged in the same words, he refused and threw him into prison until he should pay.
• The other servants, greatly distressed, reported the matter to the master. The master summoned the wicked servant, rebuked him for not showing the mercy he himself had received, and in anger delivered him to the jailers till he should pay all his debt.
• Jesus concluded, "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

(b) Three lessons

1. Christians should forgive others without limit and from the heart.
2. Those who have received God's great mercy must show mercy to others.
3. An unforgiving spirit invites God's judgement and forfeits His forgiveness.