Matthew 18:28   One of the most frustrating aspects of our sinful human nature is our twisted sense of justice. We can ourselves be full of sin, treachery, debauchery, and many other horrible things. And, yet, we will have a very strong sense of what is fair. We have a feeling of what we are owed. We…

Matthew 18:27   Please note something here. Though the lord of the servant forgave this debt, it would cost him something. It is not as if the debt no longer existed. The lord was legitimately owed this money, and it was quite a sum. Thus, this is just how it is with Almighty God. Though he forgives…

Matthew 18:26   That God will allow us to ask for forgiveness of the debt of sin is evidence of the plan of salvation. If God did not have a plan for our redemption, he would not even listen to such pleas. Bible Reading: Matthew 16:1-18:35 Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the…

Matthew 18:25   The debt of sin is absolute. It cannot be overlooked. It is not something that can just be brushed under the carpet. Almighty God will not forget it. It must be paid in full. There is no other option. This is why Christ is our only hope. Bible Reading: Matthew 14:1-15:39 Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:4…

Matthew 18:24   If ever we will get a true idea of what we have been saved from, we will be evermore grateful to our loving Lord. The vast sum that we owe due to sin is an infinite amount because it is an affront to the infinite God. Never could we realize the depths that our sin…

Matthew 18:23   The king here takes account of his servants. He knows what he is owed.  The king represents Almighty God. We must not forget that God keeps record of everything. Many, knowing this, think God will judge us by our works. However, because God knows everything, not just our works, it is more accurate…

Matthew 18:22   In other words, forgiveness does not end. Those who forgive a given number of times make themselves the judge, and the source of the forgiveness. Such forgiveness has never done anybody any good. It is a man’s forgiveness, it cannot fix the problem. Whereas, limitless forgiveness leaves the judging to Christ. I cannot fail…

Matthew 18:21   Peter was trying to be very forgiving. We might not pick up on that right away. But, for a Jew, he was really trying to be very forgiving by suggesting as much as seven times forgiving someone. Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-6:34 Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep…

Matthew 18:20   Jesus is with us. He is interested in us. He is present in our lives. When we get together, he is there. He wants to be there. He loves us. Bible Reading: Malachi 4:1-Matthew 4:25 Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:2 “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep…

Matthew 18:19   We must keep this in context. Though it is true to say that God will hear us concerning our matters, there is something in particular in mind here. Jesus is showing that, just as the whole church may judge in spiritual matters, two may ask for forgiveness on the part of the offender. If…