My Favorite Verses - Vol IV (Nov 16 to Feb 17)
A collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and often least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
A collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved
(and often least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Matthew 18:21-22 … Seventy times Seven times<br />
(11/29/20<strong>16</strong>)<br />
“‘Lord, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ And Jesus said <strong>to</strong><br />
him: ‘Not a mere seven times, but … seventy times seven times [shall you forgive].’”<br />
~ Jesus (Matthew 18:21-22)<br />
This passage has been traditionally interpreted <strong>to</strong> mean that we are <strong>to</strong> forgive<br />
others frequently (especially our friends), and that we are <strong>to</strong> do so primarily with<br />
our thoughts & our words. Of course, as is so often the case, the traditional<br />
interpretation of the Scriptures leaves almost everything <strong>to</strong> be desired … For Jesus<br />
is definitely not trying <strong>to</strong> inspire us <strong>to</strong> forgive in ways typical or comfortable or<br />
standard – neither here, nor anywhere else in the Gospels. Indeed, nothing about<br />
Jesus’ teachings was ever anything less than a full-on demolition of the traditional<br />
approaches practiced and preached by the religious leaders of his day, and this<br />
passage in Matthew is no exception.<br />
For starters, the phrase “seventy times seven” is found in only one other verse<br />
in the entire Bible – a verse in Genesis that speaks <strong>to</strong> the severe vengeance that<br />
would be unleashed on Lamech for his crimes, if not the severe condemnation that<br />
would be unleashed upon all those who similarly sinned (see Genesis 4:24) … And<br />
in typical fashion, Jesus not only alludes <strong>to</strong> this Old Testament verse, but he does<br />
so in a way that turns it completely on its head – telling us that we are not <strong>to</strong><br />
condemn trespassers “seventy times seven times”, but that we are actually <strong>to</strong><br />
forgive them <strong>to</strong> that same remarkably massive degree.<br />
And yet even more significant here are the meanings intended with the<br />
mention of the numbers “seventy” and “seven” -- for Jesus is most certainly not<br />
commanding us <strong>to</strong> forgive others exactly 490 times before condemning them anew<br />
thereafter. No, he is telling us not only <strong>to</strong> forgive our friends & family, but for us<br />
<strong>to</strong> forgive everyone (see the<br />
“seventy” nations encompassing all<br />
of humanity in Genesis 10), and he<br />
is telling us not only <strong>to</strong> forgive<br />
them verbally or partially or<br />
conditionally, but <strong>to</strong> forgive them<br />
absolutely & unconditionally &<br />
completely -- the symbolic<br />
meaning of the number “seven”<br />
recognized by religious leaders &<br />
biblical authors alike!<br />
Amen ... Let it be so.<br />
26
Change language