Matthew 18:21-35 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The limits of mercy.

Peter's question here was suggested by his Lord's doctrine concerning Christian judgment ( Matthew 18:15-20 ). "Then came Peter," etc. The form of Peter's question may have been suggested by the custom of the rabbins who from Amos 1:3 —"For three transgressions, and for four, I will not turn away wrath"—held that three offences were to be forgiven, and not the fourth; or, uniting the two numbers, made "seven times" the extreme limit of their forgiveness. The Lord's reply teaches us—

I. THAT THE CLAIMS OF BROTHERHOOD ARE THE LIMITS OF MERCY .

1 . Forgiveness should never be refused when sought with repentance .

2 . Forgiveness is no mercy to the impenitent .

II. THAT THE MERCIFULNESS OF THE LORD IS OUR INCITANT TO MERCY .

1 . God ' s mercy is boundless .

2 . We must forgive as we are forgiven .

3 . Forgiveness must be " from the heart ."

III. THAT THE MAGNITUDE OF GOD 'S MERCY IS ALSO THE MEASURE OF HIS WRATH ,

1 . There is a time for reckoning with the King .

2 . His pardons will be retracted from the unmerciful .

3 . How fearful are the treasures of wrath!