The Power of Forgiveness (2/19/2023)

Jesus and His Final Words: Lived Out - The Power of Forgiveness (Luke 23:32-39, Matthew 18:15-35)

Jesus embodies forgiveness. Before he spoke it, he lived it. He taught it. He demonstrated it. It was more than words. And we are to live out that reality in our lives as well. As shocking as these words of Jesus may be at the very start of his crucifixion - his forgiveness quotient and forgiveness expectation - is always shocking. The teaching from Matthew 18 left the disciples with gapping mouths. Peter attempts a reasonable clarification of the forgiveness expectation. I can almost hear him, "say what???!!!" The kind of forgiveness that we need and the kind of forgiveness that Jesus calls us to - is beyond anything reasonable - it is rooted in Grace. When you fully realize that the debt was paid that you could never pay, in order to secure your forgiveness - then you too will show grace and forgive.