Luke 17-7.22.22

Scripture - What stood out?

Luke 17:3-4

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Observation - What does it say?

In previous chapters we learn that great crowds had been following Jesus. Surrounded by not only his disciples, but also by Pharisees, women and children, Jesus continued to teach about the heart of God.

Understanding - What does it mean?

Three strikes and you’re outta here! Doesn’t just apply to baseball, but to life. The cliches that describe the limits of a relationship, personal business or otherwise, are endless. Often in my life most people, myself included, never even got to the second strike, let alone the third!

So to hear our Lord Jesus speak about forgiveness, seven times in a row, preceded by repentance seven times in a row...seems overwhelming. Yet, this is not an option being presented to us as the Lord says, “...you must forgive…”

The apostles respond in verse five, “...increase our faith!” (And rightly so because to forgive even 4 times in a row would seem an act of miraculous faith!)

This response is immediately rebuked with Jesus’ servant analogy. And that story ends with, “10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?

Jesus you are the Lord of my life. Not just my Savior but my Lord. I desire to be your servant. Your good servant. My heart gets so twisted when people sin against me. Continue to show me your heart. Show me how to forgive somebody who shows they repent. And teach me Lord  how to forgive even when they don’t.

In the name of Jesus do I ask, amen.

-Kenneth Lee