True Greatness

30 Days with Jesus

Day 17 - Matthew 18:21 - 19:15

The opening verses of this Chapter start with a discussion about who is the greatest in God's Kingdom and it closes with Jesus teaching about forgiveness. Somehow I feel the two things are connected.

Ultimately there is only one who is great in the Kingdom of God that's God Himself. To Him must go all Glory, Honour and Praise. We can however reflect his greatness in so many ways.

And one way we can do is FORGIVENESS.

Sometimes we are consumed with FAIRNESS rather than FORGIVENESS.

The idea of forgiveness seems to be so counter cultural. We read of Peter coming to Jesus still searching for where fairness is. Forgiveness must have a limit. Surely? When does FORGIVENESS become UNFAIR. How far must I stretch my FAIRNESS. I will go out on a limb with 7 times.

Jesus answer blows Peter and FAIRNESS out of the water. 70 x 7. Really?

But in the story of the unforgiving servant Jesus is stretching our human minds to try to reach a divine understanding. God chooses to be UNFAIR by FORGIVING us and treating us in the total opposite way that we deserve.

He finishes the story with a stark warning for us:

"This king did what my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” v 35


Jesus pulls no punches. FORGIVENESS can not be mere words covering a bitter heart it must flow from a heart that has been melted by the UNFAIRNESS of GRACE. There we find true greatness.