Matthew 18:21-35 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 18:21-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Verse 22Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. Verse 23"For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. Verse 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; Verse 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. Verse 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' Verse 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. Verse 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' Verse 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' Verse 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. Verse 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Verse 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Verse 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' Verse 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. Verse 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
Devotion
The work of a bishop often requires mediating conflict in the church—between pastors and councils, congregation members, with the synod and various other scenarios. My Lutheran tradition confesses that we are in bondage to sin. Conflict erupts because we do not love God with our whole heart, and our neighbors as ourselves.
Verses 21–22 in today's reading make clear that such conflict has been with the community of believers from the beginning. There are temporal consequences for our behavior, and Jesus doesn't let the community off the hook easily. Yet, he reminds his followers that we are called to be people of forgiveness because we have a God who eternally forgives through Christ on the cross. So forgiven we must take that call seriously. But how many times should I forgive? Seven times is great plenty right? No. Those who have been forgiven are called to forgiveness that is extravagant beyond measure.
Prayer
Forgiving Christ, you stretched your arms out on the cross to gather all into your embrace. Help us to move past our grief, anger and selfish ambition to seek wholeness, peace and forgiveness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.