Jesus not only taught about forgiveness, but also demonstrated his own willingness to forgive. Here are several examples that should be an encouragement to recognize his willingness to forgive US as well.
Jesus forgave... the paralyzed man who was lowered on a mat thru the roof of someone’s home. [Matthew 9:2-8]
Jesus forgave ... the woman caught in adultery. [John 8:3-11]
Jesus forgave ... the woman who anointed his feet with perfume. [Luke 7:44-50]
Jesus forgave ... Peter for publicly denying he knew Jesus. [John 18:15-18, 25-27; 21:15-19]
Jesus forgave ... the criminal on the cross. [Luke 23:39-43]
Jesus forgave ... those who crucified him. [Luke 23:34]
THE SEVEN SORROWS
Our Lord pointed out seven ways to ensure God’s anger when he was speaking to the religious leaders.
Matthew 23:13 ... Not letting others enter the Kingdom of Heaven & not entering yourself.
Matthew 23:15 ... Steering others away from God to be like you.
Matthew 23:16-22 ... Blindly leading God’s people to follow man-made traditions instead of following God’s Word.
Matthew 23:23-24 ... Ignoring that which is most important: justice, mercy & faith.
Matthew 23:25-26 ... Keeping up appearances while your private world is corrupt.
Matthew 23: 27-28 ... Acting spiritual to cover up your sin.
Matthew 23:29-36 ... Pretending to have learned from past mistakes, while your current behavior shows you’ve learned NOTHING.
The religious leaders of his day were hypocrites who said one thing and did another. This is why Jesus called them out as being spiritually empty, in spite of the religious show they performed each day. Obviously, they are not whom we should follow. Living as Jesus did each day is the right way to not only live, but please God as well.
Up next is a SPOTLIGHT on Lazarus’ sister Mary. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
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