In His earthly ministry, Jesus placed forgiveness front and center for those who follow Him.
He told Simon Peter not to forgive seven times (an ideal number in Judaism) but seventy times seven. By offering to forgive seven times, Simon thought of himself as magnanimous. Jesus called him to go beyond anything he could imagine. By doing so, Jesus demonstrated that forgiveness really matters and is essential to the life of a follower of Christ.
Jesus also made forgiveness front and center by making it part of what we normally call the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Since Jesus gave this as an example of how to pray, a better name would be the Model Prayer.
In the Model Prayer Jesus gave six petitions to take to the Father. Three related to God’s glory (Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, and thy will be done).
He also gave three petitions for our needs (our daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance from the evil one). Isn’t it interesting that the petitions for our needs are primarily spiritual? Two-thirds of the petitions for our needs relate to those things which keep us from God–the evil one and our lack of forgiveness.
To emphasize the need of forgiveness even farther, Jesus added Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Forgiveness is an essential part of a life with God. If we refuse to forgive, we shut the door on God. God forgives because of who He is. His character brings Him to forgive us. God wants us to be like Him. He gives so He wants us to give. He also forgives, and He wants us to do the same.
Forgiveness–as difficult as it is–demonstrates that we belong to God and that we are following His plan, not a plan of our choosing.
For all of these reasons, forgiveness is a big deal.
If you would like to receive daily devotionals from me, please go to the top of the page and subscribe. I would like to have the opportunity to minister to you across the Internet. The ministry is free and it’s easy to subscribe. May God bless you.
6 Responses
Forgiveness is indeed, a big deal. It is essential to realizing the largeness of God, regardless of our lack of capacity to comprehend the incomprehensible. Indeed our action is only a shadowy likeness, as we forgive those who trespass against us. For we only scratch the surface of forgiveness. Our Lord sees to the very core of our being, our every thought and wayward impulse. How much more? How much more? How much more Love, provision, companionship is provided to His. Such a Blessing to grasp the point: we were not created to compete with one another or with God. We were created to complement one another in Him, by Him, through Him. Romans 12:4&5.
Thank you!
Blessings.
Ed, a good word. Thanks.
Great Sermon yesterday and I want a copy Of it on CD. How do I get one?
Call Karen in the church office (985-892-2149). She will also have the entire series as a package at the end of the series. You can also go to the church website to order.
So sad that starting this new college journey, I won’t be able to hear your sermons on a Sunday morning. Was looking coward to your new series on forgive. Thankful to have your blog, thanks for the encouragement each day.
Thanks for being a part of the blog community. May God bless this new experience. Remember that my sermons are posted at fbccov.org.