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The Parables.
The Wicked Servant (Matt. 18: 23-35).
pp. 87-91
We have learned that the series of parables which we are about to consider are linked
together by a common theme, the disclosure of the temper and spirit of Israel and the
causes which led up to their rejection of the Lord Jesus, and the rejection in turn of
themselves from their position as an elect nation before God. The parable was spoken in
answer to Peter's question:--
"Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?"
It seems that Peter felt the responsibility of the charge laid upon him. In Matt. 16: 19
the Lord had said to him:--
"I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. . . . and whatsoever
thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
The words are repeated in Matt. 18: 18, the singular "thou" being changed to the
plural "ye," and are there linked by the Lord to the question of forgiving an offending
brother. Another link with the original commission to Peter as given in Matt. 16: is the
reference to the church. Matt. 16: 18 and 18: 17 are the only references to the church
(or ekklesia) in the Gospel of Matthew, and in both passages the reference is linked with
this power of binding and loosing, and with the kingdom of the heavens.
It seems that Peter was not merely asking the question for his own private information,
but was urged to inquire by reason of the great responsibility he felt at having the keys of
the kingdom committed to him, and the power in a special manner of binding and loosing
connected therewith. How long should he exercise forbearance and forgiveness? The
Rabbis taught from Amos 1: 3, &100:, to forgive three times and no more. This seems to
receive some colour from the words of the Lord in Matt. 18: 15-17:--
(1). "Between thee and him alone," then
(2). "If he will not hear, take with thee one or two more," then
(3). "If he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
Peter seemed to realize something of the new spirit, and ventures to put a tentative
reply to his own question by saying, "Till seven times?" If Peter had any hesitancy in
advancing beyond the tether of Rabbinical teaching it was entirely dispelled by the
glorious fulness given in the Lord's answer, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times, but,
Until seventy times seven." These words seem to refer back to two passages of Old
Testament Scripture, both written during the times of the Gentiles, the one uttered before
the nation of Israel had been formed, the other after they had been taken captive to
Babylon.
The first reference is Gen. 4: 24, "If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech
seventy and sevenfold." Lamech is often spoken of as arrogating to himself divine