Season 4 Podcast 151 The Stories of the New Testament, Matthew Ch 18:15-35, Pt II, “Forgive Others Their Trespasses.”

Season 4 Podcast 151 The Stories of the New Testament, Matthew Ch 18:15-35, Pt II, “Forgive Others Their Trespasses.”

Last week in discussing the first part of Matthew 18, we learned about the importance of seeking that which is Lost. We examined the Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Coin, and The Parable of the Prodigal Son. We, of course, are the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son for none of us are perfect. A line in the beloved hymn, Amazing Grace, says, “I was lost but now I’m found.”

Another overriding theme of last week’s lesson is the importance of the atonement. Until this world ends, the mission of Christ is to gather his sheep. Immediately Christ commissions those whom he has found to go and look for the other lost sheep. An important principle of the gospel was taught very early in the Old Testament in the story of Cain and Able as recorded in Genesis 4:

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?”

The words are chilling because Cain had just murdered his brother, but every Christian knows the answer to that question. Probably the first thought that comes to mind is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In the parable a stranger was robbed and seriously wounded and left dying on the road. Both a priest and a Levite, respected men of the community, rather than offer assistance, went on the other side of the road, ignoring the wounded man. A Samaritan, however, who was despised by the Jews, bound his wounds, and paid for his hospital care. The Savior asked,

“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

The Samaritan had a right to be bitter. The wounded man may have been his enemy, but the Samaritan had compassion. In Matthew 18 The Savior is really addressing the same issue. “Who is my neighbor?” and “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  Listen to his words.

”Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”

From the Beginning Christ has taught the principle of love our neighbor.

 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Matthew 6:12, 14–15

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Christ is not blind to reality. In another place he also said, ‘be wise as serpents but gentle as doves.’ Notice how he follows with cautious advice.

“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”