People of the Everlasting Father's Forgiving Heart
Read Matthew 18:15-35
The rabbinic tradition was “If a man commits a transgression, the first, second and third time he is forgiven, the fourth time he is not forgiven.” Peter was getting to know Jesus’ ways, and so he more than doubled the rabbinic limits for forgiveness. In suggesting a sevenfold forgiveness, Peter was advocating lavish generosity, not moderation. Or so he thought.
Scholars (and Bible translations) are divided on whether Jesus upped the ante to 77 times (ESV, NIV) or 70 times 7 (KJV, NASB). The former option is preferred by those who see Jesus alluding to Genesis 4:24, where Lamech’s revenge is said to be seventy-seven fold. In either case, the idea is that forgiveness must be limitless, for it is manifestly clear that Jesus does not mean to sanction withholding forgiveness on the 71st or 491st offense.
The point of the parable of the unmerciful servant is that no believer in Jesus will ever have occasion to offer more mercy and forgiveness than he has himself received from God. We serve a great king who has been merciful to us in the face of an overwhelming moral indebtedness that we had no hope of ever repaying. He forgave us the debt, and set us free.
Any response to our own forgiveness other than extending forgiveness to those who have sinned against us is outrageous. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it is necessary, for citizens of God’s Kingdom. Forgive, before the Lord, and if you have to do it again tomorrow, do it again. And again, and again, until the bitter resentment is gone for good. And don’t keep count.