Recalculation

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” 

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:54-58)

Where did Jesus get such wisdom and mighty deeds?  We know.  What was some of that wisdom?  An important part was a rethinking of the necessity of forgiveness as opposed to revenge.  A new way of thinking and behavior was championed by Jesus.  The Temple and payment for services rendered was no longer the only way to forgive sins. Jesus said:

1. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15)

2. Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, not seven times,” Jesus says, but seventy times seven! (Matthew 18:21-22)

3. Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

4. Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. (Matthew 6:12)

5. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

6. If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. (Luke 17:3-4)

7. I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds. And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. (Hebrews 10:17-18)

8. When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. (Mark 11:25) 

9. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. (Romans 12:18-19)

Revenge seemed to be the prevailing norm.  Retribution was required.  Jesus wanted a recalculation for a new path and direction as well as a change of heart.  We also should recalculate.  Too many of us are hell bent on revenge putting us on the road to Hell. Wrong direction!

Deacon David Pierce