Forgive – John 20: 23

If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.

As John describes the day of Jesus’ resurrection, we see Mary discover the empty tomb, then Peter and John race out to the tomb to see for themselves. After they leave, Jesus appears to Mary and gives her a message for the disciples. In response to this news, the disciples gather together but behind locked doors. They are afraid.

Jesus appears in this locked room full of fearful people. The first thing he says is, “Peace be with you!” The thing they lacked the most is what he offers them right away. Peace, the antidote to fear. Then he shows them the evidence that it really is him.

Then he says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” After this he breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

What next? In short order, he has given them peace, proof, a mission, and his Holy Spirit. Isn’t that enough? Apparently not. For then he adds his last words to them that evening, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

What does he mean? Is there a secret meaning here? Why does he say this?

When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray he includes this:

“And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6: 12)

Then he adds, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6: 14-15)

In these words, there is a terrifying imperative to follow Jesus’ instructions on forgiveness! Who can enter heaven if they have not been forgiven for their sins? Can anyone?

Then there is the conundrum of repentance. Jesus says, “…unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13: 3, 5) So repentance and forgiveness are tied together.

In Luke Jesus clarifies his meaning a bit with this: “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.“
Luke 17: 3

But what if they do not understand the rebuke, or accept it, or even listen? What then?

What kind of God do we have? Is He a merciful God or a legalistic God?

The author of James writes, “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2: 12-13

Mercy triumphs over judgment, yet unless you repent, you too will all perish.

There is a causal link here between God’s mercy and our repentance. But what about our own little worlds? What about those who hurt us and remain unrepentant?

To return to today’s passage, Jesus says, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” On its face, this seems like a tautology. Obviously, if you or I do not forgive someone they are not forgiven. But what does this mean? Does this convey a special power to speak on behalf of heaven? Did Jesus mean to impart the ability to render eternal judgment on others?

Application: Jesus is talking to you and me. It is necessary to forgive. If we want to be in heaven with Jesus we need to forgive. From a legalist standpoint, there seems to be an ‘out’ if there is no repentance shown on the part of the offender. From a practical standpoint, none of us are that good legally speaking to make that case before God. It is always best to forgive. As James tells us, mercy triumphs over judgment. And as Jesus adds: ”So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”(Matthew 7: 12)

Food for Thought: What are the benefits of forgiving others even if they do not deserve it?