Why Did Jesus Say 70 Times 7? - PowerfulJesus.com

Understanding the teachings of Jesus often involves delving into the context and meanings behind His words.

One of the most intriguing and discussed phrases is when Jesus tells Peter to forgive “not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).

This statement carries profound lessons about forgiveness, patience, and the nature of divine love.

Let’s break it down and explore its significance.

The Context: A Lesson in Forgiveness

Setting the Scene

To understand why Jesus said “seventy times seven,” we need to look at the context in which it was said.

In Matthew 18, Peter approaches Jesus and asks,

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Peter probably thought he was being generous.

In Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was considered sufficient.

Peter more than doubled this, suggesting seven as a complete and generous number.

Jesus’ Response

Jesus’ response,

“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times,”

(some translations say seventy times seven) is startling.

This isn’t just a bigger number; it’s a number meant to signify boundless forgiveness.

In essence, Jesus is telling Peter and all of us that forgiveness should be limitless.

The Symbolism of 70 Times 7

Biblical Numerology

Numbers often have symbolic meanings in the Bible.

The number seven symbolizes completeness or perfection, which is why Peter might have thought seven times was enough.

By saying seventy times seven, Jesus uses a figure that implies perfection times perfection—an infinite amount.

Teaching Infinite Forgiveness

Jesus wasn’t instructing us to keep a tally of 490 wrongs.

Instead, He was teaching that we shouldn’t limit our forgiveness.

If we’re counting, we’re not truly forgiving.

True forgiveness means letting go of grudges and not holding past wrongs over someone’s head.

Practical Implications of Unlimited Forgiveness

Personal Relationships

Think about your personal relationships.

Holding onto grudges and not forgiving can poison your interactions and lead to long-term resentment.

Jesus’ teaching encourages us to let go of anger and hurt, fostering healthier and more loving relationships.

Emotional Health

Forgiving others is beneficial for our emotional and mental health.

Studies have shown that holding onto anger and resentment can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems.

Forgiveness can lead to peace and emotional well-being.

Societal Impact

On a larger scale, Jesus’ teaching of unlimited forgiveness can transform societies.

If communities and nations embraced forgiveness rather than vengeance, we could see a reduction in conflict and a move towards reconciliation and peace.

Stories of Forgiveness

The Unforgiving Servant

Immediately after Jesus tells Peter to forgive seventy times seven, He shares the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35).

In this story, a king forgives a servant’s massive debt, but that servant refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by another servant.

When the king hears of this, he is furious and reinstates the debt.

The parable illustrates the hypocrisy and consequences of not extending to others the same mercy we receive.

Modern Examples

Modern history is also filled with powerful examples of forgiveness.

Consider Nelson Mandela, who after spending 27 years in prison, chose forgiveness over retaliation against those who oppressed him.

His actions helped heal a nation divided by apartheid.

The Challenge of Forgiveness

Why It’s Hard

Forgiving isn’t always easy.

It often requires us to go against our natural inclinations to seek revenge or hold onto our hurt.

Forgiveness can feel like we’re letting someone off the hook or ignoring the wrong done to us.

The Power of Forgiveness

However, forgiveness is powerful.

It frees us from the chains of bitterness and opens the door to healing and reconciliation.

It doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the wrong, but it does mean refusing to let it control our lives.

Practical Steps to Forgive

#1. Acknowledge Your Hurt

The first step in forgiveness is acknowledging the hurt and pain someone has caused you.

It’s important to recognize your feelings instead of suppressing them.

#2. Choose to Forgive

Forgiveness is a choice.

It’s a deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance.

This decision might need to be made repeatedly, especially if the hurt is deep.

#3. Seek Understanding

Try to understand why the person hurt you.

This doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it can help you see them as human and flawed, just like you.

#4. Let Go of Resentment

This step involves releasing your need for retribution.

Let go of the idea that the person owes you something for the wrong they’ve done.

#5. Pray or Meditate on the word of God on Forgiveness

For many, prayer or meditation can be powerful tools in the process of forgiveness.

They can help you find peace and strength to forgive.

Conclusion: Embracing Jesus’ Teaching

Jesus’ teaching to forgive seventy times seven is a call to embrace a lifestyle of forgiveness.

It’s about embodying the same grace and mercy that God extends to us.

Forgiveness can transform your relationships, improve your emotional health, and contribute to a more compassionate world.

Next time you’re faced with the challenge of forgiving someone, remember Jesus’ words and the freedom that comes with letting go.

Forgiveness is not just a gift you give others; it’s a gift you give yourself.

FAQs: Understanding Jesus’ Teaching on Forgiveness

1. What does “seventy times seven” mean?

“Seventy times seven” is a phrase Jesus used to indicate limitless forgiveness.

It symbolizes an infinite number, suggesting that there should be no limit to how many times we forgive others.

2. Why did Jesus choose the number 490 (seventy times seven)?

The number 490 is not meant to be taken literally.

In biblical numerology, the number seven signifies completeness or perfection.

By multiplying this by seventy, Jesus emphasizes the concept of perfect, boundless forgiveness.

3. How can I practice forgiveness in my daily life?

To practice forgiveness, start by acknowledging your hurt, choose to forgive, seek understanding of the person who hurt you, let go of resentment, and use prayer or meditation to find peace.

Remember, forgiveness is a process that may need to be repeated.

4. Is it okay to forgive someone but still hold them accountable?

Yes, forgiving someone doesn’t mean you ignore the wrong they’ve done.

You can forgive while still holding the person accountable for their actions.

Forgiveness means letting go of personal grudges and resentment, not necessarily eliminating consequences.

5. How does forgiveness benefit me?

Forgiveness benefits you by improving your emotional and mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, and fostering healthier relationships.

It helps you move on from past hurts and find inner peace.

6. What if the person I need to forgive hasn’t apologized?

Forgiveness doesn’t depend on the other person’s actions or apologies.

It’s a personal decision to let go of your own resentment and anger.

You can forgive someone even if they haven’t apologized or acknowledged their wrongdoings.

7. Are there examples of forgiveness in modern times?

Yes, notable examples include Nelson Mandela, who forgave those who imprisoned him for 27 years, contributing to the healing of a nation divided by apartheid.

His story demonstrates the powerful impact of forgiveness on both personal and societal levels.

8. Does forgiving mean forgetting the wrong that was done?

No, forgiving does not mean forgetting.

It means choosing not to let the wrong control your emotions or actions.

You can remember the incident but still decide to forgive and let go of the bitterness associated with it.

9. How does forgiveness impact society?

Forgiveness can lead to reduced conflicts and promote reconciliation and peace within communities and nations.

When societies embrace forgiveness over vengeance, they create an environment conducive to healing and unity.

10. How can I forgive when the hurt is too deep?

Forgiving deep hurts can be challenging.

Start by acknowledging your pain, seeking understanding, and making a conscious choice to forgive.

It might take time and repeated efforts. Support from friends, counselors, or spiritual advisors can also be helpful in this process.

11. What did Jesus’ Parable of the Unforgiving Servant teach about forgiveness?

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant illustrates the hypocrisy and consequences of refusing to forgive others after receiving forgiveness ourselves.

It emphasizes the importance of extending mercy to others as we have received mercy from God.

12. Can forgiveness improve my mental health?

Yes, forgiveness has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Letting go of grudges and resentment can lead to a more peaceful and emotionally healthy life.

13. What role does forgiveness play in Christianity?

In Christianity, forgiveness is a central tenet.

It reflects the nature of God’s grace and mercy towards humanity.

Christians are encouraged to forgive others as God forgives them, fostering a community of love and compassion.

14. Is it possible to forgive someone but not reconcile with them?

Yes, forgiveness and reconciliation are different.

Forgiveness is about letting go of resentment, while reconciliation involves restoring a relationship.

You can forgive someone without necessarily reconciling, especially if the relationship is harmful or unsafe.

15. How can I teach my children about forgiveness?

Teach children about forgiveness by modeling it in your own behavior, discussing stories from the Bible like the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, and explaining the benefits of letting go of grudges.

Encourage them to talk about their feelings and guide them in making the choice to forgive.