Matthew 18:15-35

Christ has just instructed the disciples on the importance of every human being and the severity of leading one of those people astray through wrong actions. Verses 12-14 pictures one hundred sheep and one wandering sheep who decides to do his own thing. Jesus relates the need to restore this sheep to the herd by any means possible. Now Jesus moves from teaching about restoration to some instructions on what to do when we are offended by someone else. In every human relationship, conflict is inevitable and Jesus wanted to make sure we didn’t “write someone off” when they offend us. The Bible seems to imply a three step process in restoring a broken relationship between two human beings. First, approach the offending person privately about the matter (18:15) and if he does not listen then you should take two or three respected people to confront the offender (18:16). If he fails to repent, take the matter before the church (18:17). The goal is always to bring the offending believer back into a relationship with the other person; however, if he refuses to repent then the church should remove him so as not to influence other people with his sin (18:17b). Peter speaks up and asks how many times he should forgive someone who has offended him. Jesus responds by saying that forgiveness should have no limit (18:21-22). Jesus continues on to tell the parable of the unforgiving servant. This particular servant was forgiven by his king of a very large debt. This same servant turned around and refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller debt (18:23-30). The point is easy to understand – God has forgiven us of all our sin (large debt), so we should be willing to forgive others every time. Take some time right now to examine your relationship with others. Are there areas of unforgiveness in your life? If so, be reminded of Jesus Christ’s complete forgiveness of your sin and forgive those who may have offended you.