Grahame Walker

Just prior to Jesus telling this parable, Peter had been asking him about forgiveness. The teaching in Judaism at the time (Amos 2:3, 2:6, Job 33:29, 30) was that three times was enough to show a forgiving spirit. Peter’s question (Matthew 18: 21), seems to be in line with this teaching. He was wondering how many times he should forgive a person who repeatedly sins against him. Peter offers to forgive a person seven times seven wondering where the line should be drawn on forgiveness. Jesus astonishing response would have stopped everyone in their tracks. “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18: 22). It appears that Jesus is saying the number doesn’t matter but that the disciples are to continue to forgive without keeping count.