Jesus Teaches Forgiveness (1953)

[music] On a mountain in the southern part of Galilee, the disciples were listening to the teachings of their Master, this was the place where Jesus gave the sermon on the mount. The place where he taught them how to pray. Pray then like this. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. How many times did Jesus teach this to his followers? But by the time the master was ending his first ministry in Galilee, there were some in the land of Israel who were already fearful and resentful of his growing popularity with the people. These were the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the land. And whenever or wherever Pharisees met, Jesus was usually one of the main subjects of their discussions. >> I must admit that this Jesus puzzles me. Frankly, I don't understand it. Why should we even try to understand him? It's clear that he means no good to us. >> He has accused us of being self-righteous hypocrites. He He says that we are a wicked, corrupt, and adulteress. >> That I know. He also does good deeds for many. And he seems to have great powers. >> He has power over the people that follow him, the tax collectors, fishermen, and the like. >> Yes. And they're not increasing. He and the crowds that follow him may weaken the power of the rulers of Israel. Do you really think so? And >> not only us, but the Sadducees, our scribes, elders, and all the leaders of Israel. >> But should we condemn him before we have heard him ourselves? >> I have heard him, and he accuses us. >> He cannot accuse me. I keep the law faithfully. >> The things they say about this man, I should like to know more about him. I should like to meet him personally. I think I will invite him to my house and then we can see for ourselves. >> But would you associate with him? >> Why? They would consider you as bad as he is. >> Have no fear. No one will know of this. I will not ask others to come. Only Jesus. But I do feel that if there is good in the man, we should know of it. And if he means evil. So bear with me, my friends, and dine with me when I invite this carpenter from Nazareth to my house. And so Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him. And now, as they enjoyed the meal, they asked questions of the prophet of Galilee, and they were amazed by his answers. In the city, there was a woman who had learned that Jesus was sitting at the table of the rich Pharisee. And now she had come to find him. This woman had led a wicked life and everyone knew of her sins. She was bitterly aware of her own sinfulness. But she had heard Jesus and she knew that she had found one to whom she could come. Someone whose compassion and tender love would wash away her sins and make her clean. Disregarding the others in the room, the woman hastened to Jesus that she might show her respect and love. The three Pharisees were displeased that this woman should enter the house in this manner. For they recognized her and knew her to be a sinful woman. And now when Simon the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he spoke within himself, saying, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." Simon, I have something to say to you. >> What is it, teacher? >> A certain creditor had two debtors, and one of them owed him 500 dinari, the other 50. And when they could not pay, he forgave them both. Which of them will love him more? >> The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more. >> You have judged rightly. Do you see this woman? I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss. But she has not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil. You did not anoint, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I say to you, her sins which are many are forgiven, for she loved much. He who is forgiven little loves little. Your sins are forgiven. >> Who is this who even forgives sins? >> Your faith has saved you. Go in peace. Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace. Sometime later, Jesus was with his 12 disciples in Capernium when he taught them the same lesson again. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a publican. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. >> Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times? >> I do not say to you seven times, but 70 times seven. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who desired to settle accounts with his servants. Your account is in order. You may go. Your debt to us is far, far too large. You must settle your debt now. >> I will, my lord. I will. >> Very well. Pay the clerk. >> Thank you, my lord. Thank you. >> Now, >> but my lord, I cannot pay the money at once. I must have time. My lord, >> take him. Sell him for a slave. sell his wife and his children and all that he has to make payment on his debt. >> Slavery, not only for himself, but his wife and children. In fear and trembling, the desperate man frantically begged his king for mercy. He would do anything if the king would save him and his family from slavery. If the king would be patient with him, he would pay it all back. Then the king moved with compassion, forgave him the debt, and turned him free. But that same servant as he went out came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred dinari. The king had just forgiven his servant a great debt. But the unmerciful man demanded payment from his fellow servant here and now for a much smaller sum. When the debtor asked for a little time in which to raise the small amount, the king's servant refused and showed him no mercy, but went out to have him thrown into prison. The poor man's friends were angered by this harsh treatment and went in to tell the king of what had just taken place. And my lord, he took him by the throat and refused to forgive him his debt or even give him time to pay it. Even now, he is on his way to have him cast into prison. >> I'm glad you told me you this. Have this un merciful wretch brought before me immediately. You wicked servant. I forgave you all that debt cuz you begged me for mercy. Should not you show mercy to your fellow servant as I showed mercy to you? Take him, put him in prison, and he shall remain there until his debt is paid in full. take him away. So also my heavenly father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart. And with these words Gended the great lustful servant. He had shown them clearly that if they forgave their fellow men their trespasses, so also their heavenly father would forgive them. And it stirred in them a new their great love and devotion for their teacher, our savior Jesus Christ. [music]