SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN
Matthew 18:21-35 (719)
Introduction
A. Questions regarding forgiveness:
B. The apostle Peter asked Jesus a question about forgiveness.
C. Let's note what Jesus taught about forgiveness as He answered.
I. The number of times we should forgive someone. VV21-22
A. The Jewish Rabbins taught that someone could be forgiven for
the sins up to three times.
B. Peter asked about up to seven times.
C. How did Jesus respond? Up to seventy times seven.
1. Explanation of the use of the numbers seven and ten by Jews:
7 used as perfection; ten as complete. 70 x 7=Unlimited.
Luke 17:3-4 (769)
D. How blessed that Jesus will be our judge after this life.
E. The "I forgive" principle:
II. The importance of forgiveness. VV23-35
A. Parable
1. A king forgave one of his officials for 10,000 talents. VV23,
24,27
2. The same official refused to forgive a fellow official who owed
100 denari. VV28-30. Note: 10,000 talents would be 60
million denari.
3. A valuable lesson: VV31-34; Matthew 6:14-15 (707)
III. The proper attitude for forgiveness. V35
A. From the heart. V35; Ephesians 4:32 (865)
Conclusion: 1. Review 2. Illustration about the proper attitude.
