“Forgive 70×7” Really, Jesus?
– Ponderings:

What’s a word or phrase that really annoys you? This was another internet question that caught my interest. Here are some of the answers; see what you think. “It is what it is.” “New normal.” “My bad.” “I could care less.” Think about that one! “Supposably” or “prolly” instead of supposedly and probably. “Have a good one.”
When we think about it, Jesus said some really annoying things. Here are a few. “Love your enemies.” “Do good to those who hate you.” “If someone forces you to go one mile with them, go two.” “The last will be first and the first will be last.” “As I have loved you, so you should love another.” “Pray for those who hate or persecute you.” There are many more, but you get the idea.
In John 13:7, Jesus said to his disciples, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” I think many of Jesus’ sayings have the same truth. We will understand later. But, then again, let’s be honest. Sometimes Jesus says things we fully understand and would prefer not to do. They annoy us – not because he is wrong, but because he is right, and we don’t want to hear it.
“Love your enemies” But Jesus, they hurt me and say bad things about me. They’re wrong and stupid. Why should I pray for them?
“Do not worry about tomorrow” Easy for you to say, Jesus. I have bills to pay, kids to raise, and a life full of uncertainty. “Forgive seventy times seven.” Really, Jesus? What about the other person? Don’t they have to do something? Haven’t I forgiven enough?
Jesus has a way of pushing us beyond what feels reasonable. His words are radical, unsettling, and sometimes downright annoying. He asks us to do the opposite of what feels natural—to trust when we want control, to forgive when we want revenge, and to surrender when we want security.
But here’s the thing: Jesus doesn’t challenge us to frustrate us. He challenges us to free us. His words may sting, but they are truth. They’re the kind of truth that has a way of first rubbing us the wrong way before it sets us right. Maybe that’s the key. Here and now, we may not understand why Jesus calls us to do such hard things. But later, we will see. Because we are promised that his words are the way to eternal life.
What is the one command of Jesus that you struggle with the most? How might God be using that challenge to grow you?
Prayer: Jesus, your words are sometimes hard to hear. You call me to things that stretch me, challenge me, and even frustrate me. But I trust that your way is better. Help me to surrender, even when I don’t understand. Amen.