The Order of Worship

Music Ministry Team:  Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team:  Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team:  Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.

In the verse just before today’s parable (Matthew 18:22, “…how often should I forgive? Not seven times but seventy times seven.”) Jesus sets forth an outlandish principle: our forgiveness should be infinite. Beginning in Matthew 18:23, Jesus tells an outlandish story of forgiveness. Sometimes Jesus tells a story to show what the kingdom of heaven on earth is like and sometimes his stories offer a contrast to his kingdom come. I believe, the latter is true in this story. No one in the story ultimately practices Jesus’ principle of forgiveness. Jesus calls us to forgive ourselves and others as God forgives us. Just maybe it is an outlandish demand of discipleship. What do you think?

Questions for Reflection:

How have you experienced Divine forgiveness? Have you earned it? Do you deserve it?

God’s forgiveness is graceful, it is Divine unconditional love that Jesus demonstrated perfectly. God’s forgiveness is also demanding. We need to make amends for the harm we have caused. We need to accept consequences for our thoughts, words and deeds that fall short of Jesus’ way of justice, kindness and humility. We need to extend the forgiveness we receive. Can you give examples for the way you practice both the grace and the demands of forgiveness?

How might Jesus view on forgiveness be a path toward healing in the divisive relationships in our community and nation? What is a step along that way we can take this week?

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