​Introduction:
1. In this verse Luke referred to his "former treatise" [the Gospel of Luke] in which he wrote about "all that
Jesus began both to do and teach."
2. In our lesson we are examining what the Lord practiced as well as what He taught concerning
"forgiveness."
3. Let us begin by pointing out how . . .
Discussion:
I. JESUS PRACTICED FORGIVENESS
A. Jesus demonstrated His divine authority when He forgave sins during His ministry.
1. He forgave the sins of the man afflicted with palsy (Luke 5:18-25).
2. He forgave the sins of the woman who anointed His feet (Luke 7:36-50).
3. He forgave the sins of the thief who was crucified with Him (Luke 23:42-43).
B. Jesus practiced what He preached when He asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him
(Luke 23:34).
C. In addition to practicing forgiveness, . . .
II. JESUS TAUGHT HIS FOLLOWERS ABOUT FORGIVENESS
A. Jesus taught His followers:
1. to ask God for forgiveness (Luke 11:1-4)
2. to forgive each other.
a. Luke 17:3-4
b. Matthew 18:21-22
B. Jesus showed that God's forgiveness is dependent upon the willingness of His followers to forgive each
other.
a. Matthew 6:14-15
b. Matthew 18:23-35
1) There are 3 main characters in this parable: a king and 2 servants.
a) One servant owed the king 10,000 talents, a debt he could not repay.
b) The other servant owed his fellow servant 100 pence, an insignificant debt.
2) (vs.23) The king took account of his servants.
3) (vs.24) The servant who owed 10,000 talents was brought before the king.
4) (vs.25) Since he could not repay his debt, he, his family, and his possessions were to be sold.
5) (vs.26) The servant asked the king for patience.
6) (vs.27) The king's compassion led him to forgive the debt.
7) (vs.28-30) This servant would not forgive his fellow servant who owed him 100 pence.
8) (vs.31-34) After the king found out what happened, he punished the unforgiving servant.
9) (vs.35) Jesus concluded by making His point very clear.
Conclusion:
1. This morning we studied passages that teach us about "kindness."
2. According to Ephesians 4:31-32, "kindness" and "forgiveness" are closely related.
3. As we endeavor to be followers of God as dear children, let us practice:
a. kindness
b. forgiveness.