28 “But as that servant was leaving, he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him some tiny sum. He grabbed him and began to choke him, crying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ 29 His fellow servant fell before him and begged, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he refused; instead, he had him thrown in jail until he should repay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were extremely distressed; and they went and told their master everything that had taken place. 32 Then the master summoned his servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt just because you begged me to do it. 33 Shouldn’t you have had pity on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And in anger his master turned him over to the jailers for punishment until he paid back everything he owed. 35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat you, unless you each forgive your brother from your hearts.”(Complete Jewish Bible)
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The work of a bishop often requires mediating conflict in the church--between pastors and councils, congregation members, with the synod and various other scenarios. My Lutheran tradition confesses that we are in bondage to sin. Conflict erupts because we do not love God with our whole heart, and our neighbors as ourselves.
Verses 21--22 in today's reading make clear that such conflict has been with the community of believers from the beginning. There are temporal consequences for our behavior, and Jesus doesn't let the community off the hook easily. Yet, he reminds his followers that we are called to be people of forgiveness because we have a God who eternally forgives through Christ on the cross. So forgiven we must take that call seriously. But how many times should I forgive? Seven times is great plenty right? No. Those who have been forgiven are called to forgiveness that is extravagant beyond measure.
Forgiving Christ, you stretched your arms out on the cross to gather all into your embrace. Help us to move past our grief, anger and selfish ambition to seek wholeness, peace and forgiveness. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Bishop Erik Gronberg, '05
Bishop of Northern Louisiana Synod, Argyle, Texas
Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him;
25 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.
26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
28 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.'
29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, "Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'
30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, "You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?'
34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.
35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart." (New Revised Standard Version)
The Luther Seminary
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St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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