Pentecost 17
September 11, 2005
Matthew 18:21-35
Our goal – forgiveness

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INTRODUCTION: Not reconciliation but retaliation is the operating principle in the world these days. Jesus flatly contradicts the world’s procedure and lays down a better principle. By means of the parable found in this morning’s Gospel lesson He is saying to us; “Make forgiveness your aim”

I.                    Our forgiveness is empowered by the Father’s forgiveness.

A.      The debt God forgave was great. “...there was brought to him one who owed him ten thousand talents.” - Matthew 18:24

1.      Our debt of sin includes not only our trespasses and transgressions – sins of commission - but what we should have done and failed to do – sins of omission.  Such examples may included not noticing the lonely person, not speaking an encouraging word, not helping a neighbor in need, etc.

2.      We cannot pay our debt. "The slave therefore falling down, prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will repay you everything.' -Matthew 18:26 Good intentions will not suffice. Our effort won’t expiate our guilt.

B.       God forgave at a great cost.

1.      Our debt to God had to be paid. Jesus paid it all, down to the past penny.  “...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” - 1 Peter  2:24

2.      God forgave us for Jesus’ sake.  - “Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love.” - Micah 7:18 It is when experience God’s forgiveness that forgiveness can be our aim.

II.                 Our forgiveness is an imitating of God’s forgiveness.

A.        We forgive from the heart.  - "So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." - Matthew 18:35

1.       This does not mean that we can always forget the offense. The memory of it may still disturb us at times.

2.       It does mean that we do not allow the evil, which was done to separate us from the other person.

B.         We set no limit on our forgiveness.

1.      The servant set a limit. - "But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and {began} to choke {him,} saying, 'Pay back what you owe.' - Matthew 18:28

2.      Peter wanted to set a limit.  - “Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" - Matthew 18:21

3.      We too stand accused of setting a limit. Yet if we are to imitate God’s forgiveness the spirit of vengeance cannot be permitted to rise.

C.        We reflect the love of God.

1.      The unforgiving servant reflected hate, not love. - "But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and {began} to choke {him,} saying, 'Pay back what you owe.' "So his fellow slave fell down and {began} to entreat him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.' "He was unwilling however, but went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed.” - Matthew 18:28-30

2.      We are to reflect God’s love to the meanest and the worst. The worst that can be done to us is still only a pinprick compared to what we have done to god. By forgiving we beget love rather than retaliation.

CONCLUSION: “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” - Colossians 3:12-13 Let us therefore make forgiveness our aim.

+ Soli Del Gloria +