SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN

THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT

Read: Matthew 18:21–35;  Luke 17:3-4

      Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Matthew 18:21 NKJV

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      Peter wanted to do the right thing and He is asking if there are limits to how much of the right thing he must do. Jesus pointed out to the disciples on another occasion that their responsibility involved more than just forgiveness – it also included confrontation.     Forgiveness is not just about feelings, it is about behavior. The forgiving person must care enough about his brother to seek a resolution. There is no place for holding a grudge and never speaking to the person again.
      Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4 NKJV)

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      Sometimes our pride keeps us from admitting that a person has hurt or offended us, so we bury our feelings instead of confronting and forgiving. Then later, when a similar incident arises, the buried resentment rears its ugly head and makes the situation even worse.
      Lord, help me to act quickly when reconciliation is needed, and always be ready to forgive. Amen.

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      Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."  Matthew 18:22 NKJV

BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN

 

WHO IS THE GREATEST?

Read Matthew 18:1–14

 

      At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matthew 18:1 NKJV

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      Many of Jesus' followers were expecting Him to set up an earthly kingdom, as promised by the prophets. What they didn't realize was that Jesus was going to gather His subjects over the centuries into a much greater kingdom than they could imagine. Those who would be a part of His kingdom would come in humble obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

      First, the King would be crucified, buried and then raised again the third day. After a time He would go back to His Father in Heaven awaiting the Day of the Lord when He would return ─ a time for which we also are waiting. Who will be great in that kingdom? Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (18:3)

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      And so Lord, we will present the gospel to our children with confidence, so that they will believe and be a part of Your eternal kingdom. Thank You Jesus, for reminding us how much You love our children.

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       "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 18:10 NKJV

JESUS TRANSFIGURED

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON

Read Matthew 17:1–13

      He (Jesus) was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:2–3 NKJV

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      To Peter, James and John, the greatest men who ever lived were Moses and Elijah. For them to see Jesus talking to these renowned heroes further convinced them that He was the Messiah. But they needed to go a step farther in their understanding of who Jesus was. Peter, not knowing what to say, proposed building a tabernacle, one each for Moses, Elijah and Jesus.
      While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" (17:5) They fell on their faces in fear!

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      Lord Jesus, beloved Son of God, In You, we have access to the very throne of the Father. Help us to live like children of the King, trusting You to lead and guide us every day as You reveal more and more just who You are. Help us to communicate to our generation, and the generation to come, how they too can know the Son of God.

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      Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.    Matthew 17:7-8 NKJV