Lessons of Forgiveness

Lessons of Forgiveness and Grace in Christian Education

16th Sunday after Pentecost - 9/17/2023 | Matthew 18:21-35 ESV

As we embark on a new season of Sunday School and reflect on the start of another academic year at our Lutheran Classical School, we are reminded of the vital role Christian education plays in our lives. It's a journey that extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing invaluable lessons we acquire every day in various settings and experiences. In this discourse, we will delve into the profound lessons of reconciliation, forgiveness, and grace, drawing inspiration from recent events, biblical teachings, and the essence of authentic Christian education.

The Significance of Christian Education

Formal vs. Informal Learning

Christian education is a multifaceted endeavor that transcends the boundaries of formal classrooms. While structured learning environments certainly hold their importance, the lessons of life are taught in various settings, often beyond the confines of textbooks and curricula. Whether it's the workplace, online resources, podcasts, social media, or even the trials and tribulations of life itself, these experiences converge toward a singular truth – the necessity for reconciliation with our Creator.

Learning from Tragedy: Reflecting on Catastrophic Events

Recently, our nation solemnly marked another anniversary of the deadly attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Such catastrophic events are not only harrowing but also profound lessons.

In response to similar disasters during His time, Jesus reminded us that no one is intrinsically better or worse, and each calamity serves as a poignant reminder of the impending final judgment. These events, albeit tragic, graciously prompt us to seek reconciliation with God, shifting our focus from earthly concerns to eternal matters.

Guiding Sinners Toward Salvation: The Essence of Christian Education:

At the very core of genuine Christian Education lies the profound lesson of reconciliation with God. Whether we find ourselves in a Sunday school session, a religious class, a Bible study, or listening to a sermon, the ultimate objective is to guide sinners toward recognizing their peril in the face of God's righteous judgment. Through sincere faith, individuals can then grasp the profound truth of the eternal salvation offered by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

The Transformative Role of Faith

Christian education transcends the mere imparting of moral values. While ethical lessons are undoubtedly crucial, it is imperative to convey that salvation does not hinge solely on one's moral deeds. Instead, it rests upon faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate reconciler who mends our broken relationship with God through His sacrificial atonement. We must embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, allowing others to witness His transformative power through us, recognizing that their eternal destinies are inextricably tied to this revelation.

Finding Hope during Mortality

In the face of impending mortality, our righteous deeds provide no guarantee of eternal life. Our consciences often convict us, reminding us of the sinful thoughts, words, and deeds we have committed. It is only through faith in the Good News – God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ – that we find hope for eternal life. This hope remains unwavering even in the wake of tragic events like 9/11, natural disasters, or emerging pandemics.

Truths about Forgiveness

Jesus imparts profound lessons about forgiveness through His dialogue with Peter and the other apostles. These lessons emphasize four fundamental truths:

# 1. Forgiveness from the Heart

Peter's inquiry regarding the frequency of forgiveness revealed a limited understanding of this divine act. Jesus underscored that forgiveness stems from a reconciled heart, transcending the confines of mere obligation. It's not about counting the times but having a heart inclined toward reconciliation.

# 2. An Extension of Grace

The parable of the unmerciful servant vividly illustrates that forgiveness is an act of pure grace. The king's pardon of an immense debt was not solicited by the servant's actions but emanated from the grace that overflowed in the king's heart. True forgiveness is an extension of grace and undeserved love.

# 3. The Cost of Forgiving

Forgiveness carries a substantial cost for the one who forgives. Just as the king bore the cost of absolving the servant's debt, forgiveness often entails relinquishing the right to seek retribution, sacrificing personal security, and embracing vulnerability. It's not an easy path, but it reflects the heart of God.

# 4. Forgiving Freely as Those Forgiven Much

The unmerciful servant's actions reveal a heart devoid of gratitude, incapable of extending forgiveness despite having received it himself. As recipients of God's boundless grace and forgiveness, we are uniquely positioned to magnanimously extend forgiveness to others. We have been forgiven much; thus, we can afford to forgive.

Lessons from Joseph: Forgiveness in Action

In our Old Testament reading, we heard Joseph say to his treacherous brothers who had cast him into a pit and then sold him to a band of passing traders, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?" Joseph's actions demonstrated a heart of forgiveness, even when he had every reason to seek vengeance. He, like Christ, set aside his right to punish his brothers and forgave them from a heart of grace, even though it cost him dearly.

Our Role as Forgiven and Forgivers

As we contemplate the profound concepts of reconciliation, forgiveness, and grace, we must acknowledge their paramount significance in our lives, transcending the confines of formal education. Recent events, biblical teachings, and the parable of the unmerciful servant collectively impress upon us that forgiveness is not a mere obligation but an affair of the heart, a divine act of pure grace, a costly sacrifice, and a privilege granted to those who have themselves been forgiven abundantly.

In our expedition through the realm of Christian education, let us wholeheartedly embrace the dual roles of the forgiven and the forgiver. Let us recognize that our ultimate exemplar is the boundless grace and forgiveness extended to us by our heavenly Father. As vessels of His love and reconciliation, may we vividly demonstrate to the world the transformative might and the unfathomable depths of His grace.