September 9, 2024

We are to forgive a lot.  Speaking of the woman who anointed and kissed His feet, Jesus said of her "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little" (Luke 7:47).   Considering the vastness of our forgiven sin should convict us to forgive anything another does to us.  

In Matthew 18, Peter asked about this suggesting how perhaps it would be admirable to forgive a brother as many as seven times.  Jesus responded, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matt. 18:22).  Some versions read "seventy times seven."   Either could be taken from the Greek but neither makes complete sense unless Jesus was suggesting something else we should know.  And perhaps he was.  

The only other time this "seventy-seven" number is used is back in Genesis 4:24 (notice also Peter's "seven" was used).  Here is the passage:

   23. Lamech said to his wives:
“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man for striking me.
   24. If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold,
then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.”

Lamech was a descendant of Cain (the first murderer).   Lamech, though, far outdid Cain.  He determined that, if he were to take vengeance, he would repay seventy-seven times what was owed.  

The point Jesus was making?  We should be willing to forgive in a way that far exceeds the wrong done to us.   Vengeance, too often, is extravagant.  Our forgiveness should oppositely mirror Lamech's vengeance.   Lamech pridefully sang of his capacity to dole out revenge.  Just as we sing of our Savior's extravagant forgiveness, may we find it within the grace He has given us to also spectacularly forgive.  

Jesus warned that one should first consider the cost before becoming His disciple (Luke 14:28).  It will only cost you everything. Disciples understand that they are totally committed to Christ (Luke 14:26 makes this point).  Our love for Christ must be so overpowering that it almost seems we hate all else.  Discipleship is about being burdened in sacrifice to Christ (Luke 14:27).   We don’t carry the cross of Christ (only he could do that) but you are told to carry your cross.   Disciples willingly leave all their stuff (Luke 14:33).   You can't chase God and money!   This doesn't require a vow of poverty but we must be “poor in spirit.”  A disciple continues learning from the words of Christ (John 8:31-32).  God’s Word will continue to transform our minds to become more Christlike.  Be a good disciple.  Be the church.