Sermon Cloud

Understanding the Nature of God’s Forgiveness?

Scripture: Matthew 18: 21-35

The big question on Peter’s heart that needs an answer!

How often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?

Peter suggested the answer, “Seven times?”

Jesus answers, No! “Seventy times seven.” 490 times

The story, “The Kingdom of heaven is like…” sets this parable in the context of Divine grace

1.      The huge debt of our sin could never be repaid              (Verse 24, 25)

2.      This story is for those of us who are blind to our own sins

3.      This story is for anybody finding it hard to forgive

4.      Forgiveness always costs the innocent one, for he (the king) forgives the debt out of love and compassion.  (Verse 26, 27)

5.      The forgiven servant failed to embrace the principle of grace. (Verse 33-34)

a.       He was very aggressive in going after a small debt because he was covering up a far bigger debt.  

b.      He didn’t receive the king’s love and forgiveness in his heart so he couldn’t pass it on

c.       Everybody could see his blatant injustice except he, himself

d.      At the end of day he was not free – but experienced endless torture

6.      This story provides us with a strong motivation to forgive                                         (Verse 35)