PODCAST
Have Mercy!
January 15th, 2011
Matthew 18:15-35
In Jesus’ parable of “The Unmerciful Servant,” Jesus is asked how many times we should forgive someone who wrongs us. We focus on forgiveness when the parable addresses a flawed understanding of grace. Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone who had wronged him. He mentions “my brother,” although I am fairly sure he was not referring to his brother Andrew. Andrew was the one who brought new people to Jesus while living in the shadow of his flamboyant brother.
Jesus said that we should forgive, not 7 times as the Law required but 77 times–often enough to lose count. In the parable, the problem was grace, the free unmerited favor of God, showered upon us freely and extravagantly. Along with being completely undeserved, it cannot be earned or repaid.
We deserve punishment; instead, he showers us with grace. I guess that is what makes grace so amazing!
