A Profile in Forgiveness 09-08-2024
Text: Matthew 10-1-4
When we become Christians, one of the most important acts we can do is to forgive. We do this because we have been forgiven of our sins because of the death of Jesus Christ so we must also be forgiving. Forgiveness may be hard to give and also hard to get. For those wanting to be forgiven, it's a wonderful thing to experience. But truth be told, it’s often extremely hard to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us in some way. But whether we receive or give forgiveness it is a welcomed relief for us every and every time.
This morning, we're going to take a look at an act of forgiveness that is so often missed when we study our Bible. It involves the Disciple, Matthew. Our text is from Matthew 10:1-4 that says: "(1) And when He had called unto Him His twelve Disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. [Keep in mind these powers only come from God] (2) Now the names of the twelve Apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother. (3) Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the publican [tax collector]; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus whose surname [last name] was Thaddaeus; (4) Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him." Jesus was instructing them for special mission He was sending them to do. But you're wondering what this has to do with forgiveness.
Matthew is always mentioned in the same group as the other Disciples, but nothing is ever said about him except one thing: Matthew - the publican, which is a tax collector. That's what he was doing when Jesus first called him as we see in Matthew 9:9. No other Disciple is ever associated with his job. But being a tax collector in Israel at that time was nothing to be proud of among the Jews. In fact, a tax collector was the most hated, despicable human being in all of Israel. Matthew actually bought a tax franchise from the Romans for the indulgence of his own greed and exploitation of his own people. To the Jews, he was a traitor, an extortioner, a robber, and a thief. He was an all-around bad guy in their eyes.
Because of Matthew's chosen position, he had effectively cut himself off from his own people, and the consequences were severe. He was despised by his countryman, banned from the synagogue, and forbidden to offer sacrifices at the temple. But there was something that made all of this worse. Matthew, also called Levi, was from a priestly family as Mark tells us in 2:14. His own family disowned him because of the work he had chosen to do. Even though he was a social outcast, he knew the Jewish law and was schooled in the prophets. Yet God still worked in his heart. When Matthew saw and heard Jesus, he knew in his heart that He was the way, the truth, and the life. At the invitation of Jesus to join Him, he walked away from his old life and his livelihood, accepted God's forgiveness, and ultimately His command to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the people as shown in Acts 10:42-43.
When Matthew came to know Jesus and accepted His invitation to follow Him, Luke tells us in 3:27-32 that he wanted the rest of his sleazy friends to hear and to know all about this man Jesus, so he threw a party. Jesus was the guest of honor in his home spending time with other tax collectors (publicans) and others, all of whom were likely outcasts like Matthew. Matthew knew, as a sinner, he needed God's grace, and he wanted his friends to know this grace. It was during this reception that Jesus made it clear not only who needed deliverance and forgiveness, but where it was found when after being questioned why He socialized with Publicans and sinners He said in verses 31-32: "They who are whole need not a physician, but they who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
As a criminal, an outcast, and the most hated of men, Matthew was utterly convinced of his sin. But he is also an example of how Jesus can change the heart of even the worst among us. When given an opportunity to believe, not only did he believe, but he also followed. And what a man he became. He became a man of quiet humility who loved the outcasts. He was also a man of great faith who totally and completely surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Matthew's life and profession show us that God doesn't use only stained glass saints to get His message out. Jesus came to save the worst of the worst. Matthew is proof that because he was, no one is beyond the reach of God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ. Matthew and all those who have been forgiven by God are those who want others to know how great the gift of forgiveness has been to their life, and it can be that way for everyone if they accept Jesus as Savior.
Every one of us can choose to forgive and forget or hold a grudge. By nature, we want to hold grudges and point a finger at those who have hurt us. This is why unity doesn't happen. Some won't forgive and forget because when one forgives, they can no longer point a finger. As Christians, forgiving and forgetting is not something we do only once. It's something we must keep on doing because that's what God does for us. We are to forgive one another as God forgives us. None of us are perfect. All of us, even the best of Christians, must always forgive and forget, letting go of all grudges. To do anything else makes us hypocrites because we are forgiven, even when we stumble and fall because Jesus intercedes for us with God when we mess up. We must take every opportunity to forgive and let go of grudges we have against friends, relatives, parents, siblings, coworkers, and even strangers who hurt us in some way. Each and every time we let go of the hurt and grudges, we are blessed by God. When you forgive AND forget, you will experience a lightness in your heart that will make your life so much easier. There will be those who won't accept your forgiveness, but that's OK. Lack of acceptance of forgiveness only weighs that person down. Don't be one of those. Accepting forgiveness is as important as giving forgiveness. It's what makes us stronger, more loving and caring people. We have been and will continue to be forgiven for our sins, and we should do no less to those around us. Forgiving and forgetting is the act we do that proves that we are true followers of Jesus Christ and Children of the one true God. Never hesitate to offer or accept forgiveness and never hold on to the thought of what was done in the first place. Forgive and forget. It's a two part act. To do otherwise is unchristian. The words: "I'll forgive but I will never forget" should never be said or acted upon by a Christian who has been forgiven of their sins. Don't dishonor the sacrifice of Jesus by not forgiving AND forgetting. Matthew accepted the forgiveness and forgetting of his sins and went on to do the same throughout his ministry teaching others about the life and love of Jesus Christ.
Until we meet again, may God bless and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.