Matthew 18:21-35.  

How often do we find ourselves identifying with Peter? In the passage for today, Peter is essentially asking Jesus, “Where’s the red line on grace?” When does grace run its course, and when can we move on from carrying the burden of forgiveness?

There are times when someone repeatedly messes up and our patience runs thin. It may cost us time, energy, and even money because of their actions. The burden of forgiveness can feel heavy at times, until we turn things around to place ourselves in the spotlight. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus puts the focus on the actions of the one forgiven? How are we to live as forgiven people? Jesus says, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (7:2).

In his Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament, John Wesley says Jesus’ answer of “seventy times seven” means “as often as there is occasion.”* Because we have been forgiven, relieved, and freed from our spiritual debt, our hearts are freed to treat others with a generously gracious measure because God does so with us.

*John Wesley, Wesley’s Notes on the New Testament: Matthew—Acts, vol. 1 (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1981).

Author: Michael Scarlett