119-122. Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and the Cost of Following Him

I found several possible applications. So, I included separate reflections and applications within some of the numbered events. 

BACKGROUND AND LINKS:

119. Jesus teaches how to treat a believer who sins: Matthew 18:15-20

This is what Jesus teaches us to do when another believer sins against us or causes us to stumble:

1. Go in private and seek reconciliation by gently correcting (Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1).
2. If the person absolutely refuses after many attempts at reconciliation, get help from one or two others (Matthew 18:16).
3. If the person refuses to seek reconciliation with God and others after exhaustive attempts, ask church leaders to intervene in order to have them hold the person accountable to Scripture (Matthew 18:17, 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-16; 2 Timothy 2:23-26; Titus 3:10).

The goal is NOT to win an argument but to win a brother or sister!

APPLICATION

Here is a PDF link to a wonderful pamphlet that I use regularly: 

Peacemaking Principles: Responding to Conflict Biblically

Also heartily recommend that you read (and reread) The Peacemaker by Kenneth Sande for what I have found to be the most thorough way to put this passage into practice! It is excellent and convicting.

120. Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving debtor: Matthew 18:21-35

Rabbinical tradition only required someone to forgive another three times. So, Jesus is communicating that forgiveness is very important: one should forgive 490 times! The parable reinforces the principle. 

10,000 talents are several million in today's economy. The master forgave the servant, but that servant could not even forgive a day's wages of his fellow servant.

We have been forgiven by our Master of much. Therefore, we should be generous in our forgiveness. 

APPLICATION

I love the song "Forgiveness" from the musical Jane Eyre. Helen Burns taught Jane about forgiveness, and she can teach us also. 

121. Jesus' (half) brothers ridicule him: John 7:1-9

Mary had other children with Joseph (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:1-6). They were prodding Him to make an impressive appearance at the Feast of Tabernacles/Booths (one of three feasts that required men to travel to Jerusalem) and manifest His power because Galilee was not the "happening" place for a Messiah. The tone is mocking because they were unbelievers (Mark 3:21, 31-25; 6:3; John 7:5) Even though they had grown up with Him, they did not understand Him, His purposes, and the timing of things.  Psalm 69:8 talks of their misunderstanding:  "I have become estranged from my brothers and an alien to my mother's sons."  It was not yet time for Him to go to the feast. He does eventually go, but He does not go on the command of His brothers. 

122. Jesus teaches about the cost of following him: Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:51-62 

Jesus had already predicted his death two times (Luke 9:21-27, 44-45). He knew that His ministry days were numbered, and He needed to leave a band of followers 100% committed to His work. So, He taught them about the cost of following Him. 

What does it take to be a disciple of Jesus? It involves being willing to give up everything. Jesus' response to the teacher of the Law revealed that the man wanted fame because he was following this "rising star" rabbi named Jesus. Jesus revealed it would not involve fame or prominence. His response to the second man demonstrated that discipleship was a full-time, full-life occupation, costing everything. 

REFLECTION

While meditating on the cost of following Jesus, I thought of a T.S. Eliot quote about the life of faith:

A condition of complete simplicity

(Costing not less than everything)

T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding" V in Four Quartets

I had a friend calligraphy this for me back in the 80s, and I hung it in my office to remind me what this life of faith is really all about! The cost is high, but it is the only way to live. 

APPLICATION from The Daily Walk

What would be different about your life if you were a "drastic disciple" of Jesus Christ? 

The lessons for disciples and tests of discipleship that are contained in Luke 9 do not make for easy reading. They are painfully pointed, calling for commitment in matters of allegiance, lifestyle, and goals. Jesus made the terms of discipleship unmistakably clear. Read the following verses prayerfully, asking yourself, "How do I need to change if my life is to reflect that kind of commitment?" 

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (9:23). 

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him" (9:26). 

"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (9:62).   

God deserves the same place in your heart that He holds in the universe. (October 18, 2008, p. 24) 

For further reading:

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman 

PRAYER

You are worthy to be followed all the days of our life. Show us where we are not following You, including when we are not forgiving and reconciling with our brothers and sisters. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.