Lesson 19, Q12~Q13

Fifth day: Read Matthew 18:21-35.

Q12

a. How does Peter’s question in verse 21 imply he did not understand the seriousness of his own sins against God?

God forgives our debt of sins, which is great that we are not able to pay it. We shall forgive other people’s sins just like the Father did to us. Just like the parable that the master forgot his servant’s great debt. But Peter’s question here just reflect if we won’t forgive other people’s sins then we will be just same to the bad servant ask the money back from his fellow-servant.

Luke 17:3-4 “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them."

b. Read Genesis 4:23-24. How did Jesus reverse the pattern that the world follows?

Genesis 4

5 But the LORD said to him, "Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.

23 Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me;
wives of Lamech, hear my words.
I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. 24 If Cain is avenged seven times,
then Lamech seventy-seven times.”

The Lord said, anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over

Lamech said, If Cain is avenged seven times,
then Lamech seventy-seven times. 殺拉麥者，必遭報七十七倍

Basically Lamech said, God cursed the one to be suffer 7 times more if he who kill Cain, for what I’ve done God should forgive me 77 times.

Jesus reversed the pattern that the world follows and told us to forgive the one sin against us,
 not only seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

We should not avenge to anyone who try to hurt us but forgive them every time they repent.

Q13,

a. According to Jesus, how do the sins of others against you compare with your sins against God?

God forgives our sins, which is great that we are not able to pay it.

However, the sins of others against us are relatively small and minor.

b. What truths about forgiveness do you find in the parable?

God has had the mercy on us to forgive our sins that we shall also have mercy for others.

c. What difference could these truths make in your home, church, school or workplace if you truly applied them?

More forgiveness, less argument then the harmony and peace will be with all of us.

d. What words will you use to tell God how grateful you are for His forgiveness?

Thank you Father. I love you too. I will try hard everyday to make you proud of me.