“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
— Matthew 18:21–22 (NASB 1995)
This is one of the many significant questions that Peter asked Jesus during his earthly ministry. In Judaism, it is said a man can only forgive a person three times for the same offense. During Old Testament times, a more strict principle was in place: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:24).
Perhaps considering Peter’s background and character, he was being considerate and generous when he inquired about this topic on forgiveness with our LORD.
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (v.21). Scholars have different explanations for this answer; some try to explain it mathematically while others would draw context from the Pentateuch to deepen it. Yet the essence of the statement is crystal clear: “unlimited times”.
As it is written in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Going back to the Gospel, God did not wait for sinners to be right with Him. Instead, He took the initiative in sending His one and only Son to die in our place — thus, offering this free gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sins.
God’s forgiveness is unlimited and is offered to everyone. As Jesus’ disciples, we are encouraged to learn from Him and be like Him. God has forgiven us, and He commands us to do the same.
Again, we forgive because through Jesus we are forgiven. It is important for us to extend the same forgiveness we have received from Jesus to our fellow believers — to restore relationships and help build each other up — as well as to those who don’t have a relationship with Him yet so that they will see the God we serve as He truly is — holy, loving, forgiving, and compassionate.
Reflection:
- In your daily lives, do you exercise this kind of forgiveness that Jesus gives us?
- Are you waiting to settle the score before pardon?
- When you are offended, do you just sulk and cut off the person from your life, determined to never talk to them anymore?
PRAYER:
Almighty Father, please show me if I truly have a forgiving heart. I pray you enable me through the Holy Spirit to forgive those who hurt or offend me. Humbly, I desire to be more like Jesus in how He dealt with people with compassion and forgiveness. And as I obey your command to forgive others, let people see who You are and Your sanctifying work in me, thus attracting them to the truth of the Good News and accept Jesus as their own personal Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Writer: Raj Balanay