"7X70"

June 21, 2013

“7X70”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 18:21-22
Luke 17:4

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Peter had a question.
Actually he had an “issue”.
You can nearly hear him whining about it.
“How many times do I have to forgive my brother?”
Seems he wanted to get beyond the forgiveness to something else - perhaps revenge?

Peter thought he was being quite magnanimous.
He suggested seven times.
I believe the rabbis and religious rulers of the day suggested three times, thereafter forgiveness was not required.

So, Peter doubled that, added one more time for good measure, and proffered the suggestion.

Jesus thought otherwise.
7X70?
I have to forgive 490 times?
Yes. And more.

Jesus used the number as “spiritualized hyperbole”.
We are to always forgive.
Totally.
Without reservation.
Anything else is sin.