These next Parables are on FORGIVENESS:
1: Luke 7:41-43: The Moneylender Forgiving Unequal Deeds
2: Matthew 18:23-35: The Unforgiving Servant
Jesus wants to illustrate about how we need to learn how to FORGIVE, and be grateful for this GOD'S FORGIVENESS. On the other hand, we need to see how Jesus' teaching on His Kingdom differs from man's worldly values on FORGIVENESS.
8. VISITING SIMON THE PHARISEE - FORGIVING OTHERS
Read Luke 7:36-50
"Simon, I have something to ask you", Jesus said to him.
"Tell me teacher", he said.
"Two people owed money to a money lender. One owed 500 denaraii and the other 50. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so HE FORGAVE THE DEBTS OF BOTH. Now which of them will love Him more?"
Simon replied: "I suppose the one who had the BIGGER DEBT FORGIVEN."
Jesus said: "You have judged correctly." ........ Luke 7:40 - 43 (NIV)
"Therefore, I tell you, HER MANY SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been FORGIVEN LITTLE LOVES LITTLE.
Then Jesus said to her: "YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN" Luke 7:47&48 (NIV)
Jesus was invited to the house of Simon the Pharisee for a meal, and He was enjoying Himself, when a young woman came in to wash his feet, covering them with perfume. She started kissing Him, showing Him her love, and Simon was not impressed: "It this man was a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and that this woman is a sinner".
This is why Jesus told this PARABLE ABOUR FORGIVENESS. Two men owed this moneylender some money - one a large amount, the other a small debt. They could not pay him, so he graciously forgave them both. Jesus used this "analogy" to teach Simon about the debth of "gratitude and love" that comes from "FORGIVENESS".
"Jesus said to the woman: "YOUR FAITH SAVED YOU: GO IN PEACE!" Luke 7:47-48, 50. (NIV)
9. THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT
Read Matthew 18:21-35
"Then Peter came to Jesus: "Lord, when my fellow believer sins against me, how many time must I FORGIVE HIM? Should I FORGIVE HIM as many as 7 TIMES?"
Jesus answered: "You must FORGIVE HIM more than 7 TIMES. You must FORGIVE HIM if he wrongs you 70 time 7." Matthew 18:21&22 (NCV)
Jesus tells his disciples to show UNLIMITED FORGIVENESS. People may hurt us and we may not feel like forgiving them. We don't have to approve their actions oor excuse them, but we need to show "MERCY AND GRACE".
Have you ever seen how destructive UNFORGIVENESS CAN BE? This servant was was unwilling to FORGIVE A MINOR DEBT even though his MASTER FORGAVE HIM A GREATER ONE. It not only destroyed the relationship with his friend, but his family and master.
"The master called his servant in and said: "You evil servant! Because you begged me to forget what you owed, I told you that you did not have to pay anything. You should have SHOWED MERCY to that other servant, just as I SHOWED MERCY TO YOU." The master was very angry and put the servant in prison to be punished until he could pay everything he owed." Matthew 18:32-34 (NCV)
"Unforgiveness can lead to marriage break downs, broken relationships or conflicts in the Church or community. We don't need to EARN FORGIVENESS, for this is what JESUS DID ON THE CROSS FOR US. There is no limit on how much we need to be FORGIVEN, but we are expected to KEEP ON FORGIVING!" Nicky Gumble
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