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
Systems of privilege based on debt, patronage and power inevitably create resentment and aggression. Jesus’ teaching turns this all upside down. Jesus’ words threaten those who crave forgiveness yet would be unlikely to give that same forgiveness to another. That threat comes as the law and the law kills. It reminds us of our own lack of forgiveness, even when we have been so richly forgiven. Only the gospel can bring life to this story. As the old gospel hymn reminds us, God gave God's very self to this world of pain and violence, so that the world might have life and be freed from debt and death. In response to this free gift we are called to break these systems of oppression and privilege—to forgive and be forgiven remembering that the free gift of Christ that has paid any debt we owe.
Prayer
God of life, you have settled the old accounts in your victory over death and the grave. Enliven our hearts to be generous and gracious to others, remembering our own forgiveness. Challenge us to be people of life. In the name of the Lord of life, your son, Jesus Christ, Amen.