Introduction To What Did Jesus Mean When He Said That We Should Forgive Others Seventy Times Seven?
In Matthew 18:21-22, the apostle Peter approached Jesus with a question that resonates with many believers today:
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus responded,
“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
This profound statement has led to various interpretations and has become a cornerstone of Christian teachings on forgiveness. But what did Jesus mean when He said we should forgive others seventy times seven?
This article explores the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ command, examines its biblical context, and discusses how it applies to our daily lives. We’ll also explore how this teaching reflects the boundless nature of God’s mercy and the importance of forgiveness in Christian living.
The Context: Peter’s Question on Forgiveness
To understand Jesus’ response, we must first examine the context in which the question was asked. In the preceding chapters of Matthew, Jesus taught extensively about relationships, humility, and dealing with offenses. The idea of forgiving others was not new to Jewish teachings, but Peter, like many of us, wanted to know the limits.
Peter’s Expectation: Why Seven?
In Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was considered sufficient. This is rooted in the teachings of the Talmud, where forgiving up to three offenses was seen as magnanimous. Peter, aware of Jesus’ teachings on grace and mercy, might have thought that suggesting forgiveness up to seven times was exceedingly generous.
However, Jesus’ reply of “seventy times seven” (or 490 times) shattered Peter’s expectations. This wasn’t a literal number but rather a symbol of boundless forgiveness. Jesus was teaching that forgiveness should not be limited or calculated, but offered endlessly, just as God’s mercy is limitless.
The Meaning of Seventy Times Seven
Infinite Forgiveness
The number “seventy times seven” symbolizes infinity. Jesus did not intend for His followers to count the number of times they forgave someone and stop at 490. Instead, He emphasizes that forgiveness should be a continual practice, without limitations or boundaries.
In ancient Hebrew culture, numbers often carried symbolic meanings. The number seven represents completeness or perfection, often associated with God’s creation and covenant. By multiplying this number, Jesus was expressing the idea of perfect and limitless forgiveness. This means that we should never hold grudges or keep track of offenses, but rather forgive as often as necessary.
Forgiveness as a Reflection of God’s Mercy
At the heart of Jesus’ teaching is the reflection of God’s character. God’s mercy toward humanity is immeasurable. Just as God forgives our sins repeatedly, we are called to mirror that same grace and extend it to others. This teaching highlights that forgiveness is not just a human responsibility but a divine attribute.
Consider the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus taught His followers to pray,
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12)
Our forgiveness of others is closely tied to God’s forgiveness of us. It demonstrates our understanding and appreciation of the grace we’ve received.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
To further illustrate His point, Jesus followed up His answer to Peter with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35). This story is crucial in understanding the practical implications of the “seventy times seven” principle.
The Parable’s Plot
In the parable, a king decides to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owes an enormous debt—ten thousand talents, an amount so large that it was impossible for him to repay. The king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt. However, this same servant goes out and refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount—a hundred denarii. The unforgiving servant has the man thrown into prison, showing no mercy.
When the king hears of this, he is outraged and has the unforgiving servant thrown into prison as well. Jesus concludes the parable by saying,
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
The Parable’s Lessons
This parable powerfully illustrates several key points:
- God’s Forgiveness Is Immense: The servant’s debt of ten thousand talents represents our own sin before God. It is a debt so great that no human could ever repay it, yet God, in His infinite mercy, forgives us completely.
- We Are Expected to Forgive Others: Just as we have been forgiven by God, we are expected to forgive those who sin against us, no matter how many times or how serious the offense may seem.
- Unforgiveness Leads to Judgment: The unforgiving servant faced dire consequences because he did not extend the same mercy he received. This is a sober reminder that harboring unforgiveness in our hearts can separate us from God’s grace.
Practical Applications of Forgiving Seventy Times Seven
Forgiveness as a Lifestyle
Jesus’ teaching of seventy times seven calls us to adopt forgiveness as a lifestyle, not just an occasional act. It is a conscious decision to release resentment, bitterness, and anger each time we are wronged.
In our everyday lives, we encounter situations that test our willingness to forgive—whether it’s a harsh word from a colleague, betrayal by a friend, or unresolved conflicts in our families. Forgiveness doesn’t come naturally; it requires grace and a deep reliance on God’s strength. Yet, each act of forgiveness reflects the love of Christ and strengthens our relationships with others.
Overcoming the Challenge of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is often difficult, especially when the offense is severe. Some wrongs can leave deep emotional scars, and the process of forgiveness can take time. Jesus’ call to forgive seventy times seven doesn’t mean that we should ignore the pain or allow ourselves to be continuously hurt. Rather, it invites us to let go of the need for revenge and trust God to bring justice and healing.
In Colossians 3:13, the apostle Paul reminds believers to
“bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This scripture emphasizes that forgiveness is not based on the offender’s actions but on our own experience of God’s forgiveness.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
While forgiveness is a personal decision, reconciliation requires the participation of both parties. It’s important to note that forgiving someone does not necessarily mean that trust is automatically restored, nor does it mean that the relationship will return to its previous state. In some cases, boundaries may need to be established to protect oneself from further harm.
However, the act of forgiveness can open the door to reconciliation, allowing for healing and restoration over time. As Christians, we are called to pursue peace and reconciliation where possible, but we must also recognize that forgiveness is an essential first step, even if full reconciliation is not achieved.
The Spiritual Benefits of Forgiveness
Healing for the Forgiver
Forgiveness is not only a command from God, but it also benefits the forgiver. Holding on to bitterness and resentment can harm our emotional, mental, and physical health. Studies have shown that practicing forgiveness can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
Spiritually, forgiveness frees us from the bondage of anger and allows us to experience the peace of God. When we release the burden of unforgiveness, we create space for God’s grace and joy to fill our hearts.
A Witness to the World
In a world filled with conflict, division, and unforgiveness, practicing forgiveness sets believers apart. It becomes a powerful testimony of God’s love and grace. When others see the radical forgiveness that Christians extend, even in the face of deep hurt, they witness the transformative power of the gospel.
Jesus said in John 13:35,
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Forgiveness is a tangible expression of that love and a reflection of the forgiveness we have received through Christ.
Conclusion: Living Out Seventy Times Seven
In conclusion, when Jesus said we should forgive others seventy times seven, He was calling us to embrace a lifestyle of infinite forgiveness, mirroring God’s boundless mercy toward us. This teaching challenges us to let go of grudges, release bitterness, and forgive repeatedly, regardless of how often we are wronged.
The parable of the unforgiving servant serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of withholding forgiveness, while also illustrating the immense grace we have received from God. As we live out Jesus’ command, we not only experience personal healing and freedom but also become a powerful witness of God’s love to the world.
Forgiveness, seventy times seven, is not about keeping count—it’s about living in a constant state of grace, where forgiveness flows freely from our hearts, just as it does from God’s.