Forgiven

“I hurt you, and our community..”

In this episode, you see Matthew in conversation with his parents. He acknowledges the pain he caused them and the community through the choices he made. By becoming a tax collector, he chose a wealthier and somewhat easier life, but caused suffering, pain, and dishonor to his family. And, of course, he had no friends at all because of that decision.

And then Matthew says: I’m sorry. He apologizes. He asks for forgiveness.

As you watch this episode further, you see how this sets him free and how there is restoration in his relationship with his parents. Although that last part isn’t guaranteed (because sometimes relationships remain broken and complex), forgiveness always brings freedom. Freedom for you when you receive (or give) forgiveness, and sometimes also freedom for the other person, because healing can then take place. Freedom through forgiveness.

Matthew heard Jesus’ words and discovered that he could/must forgive.

How is that for you? Is there someone you still need to forgive?
Or a situation where you need to ask for or receive forgiveness?

Are you free? Do you experience that freedom?

What I find remarkable is how specifically Matthew names what he did wrong. Asking for forgiveness isn’t just brushing over things; it’s about concretely naming and acknowledging your mistakes. That’s challenging. Confronting.

And at the same time, when you bring your mistakes into the light and ask for and receive forgiveness, you are free. You might still have to deal with the consequences of your choices (or the choices of others), but the burden is gone, and the harmful, wrong things you’ve said or done no longer have to weigh you down.

Freedom. Don’t you long for that?

Matthew was very specific about it, and I think we are given an example and an invitation to do the same.

Take the following questions with you to reflect on:

• What do you think about what Matthew is doing?
• Do you have forgiveness to ask for yourself?
• Do you have someone to forgive?
• Do you know yourself forgiven by Jesus?
• Are you free? When was the last time you experienced that?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You wanted to set us free by taking the punishment upon Yourself. What an incredible gift. Lord, help me to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness where I have done wrong. Give me the courage to be specific. And—Lord—would You restore broken relationships. Amen.”