“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21-22

Dear HBIC Family,

Happy New Year, y’all. We are now in 2022. Every year when the calendar marches on, it feels not only new, but foreign and yet, familiar. While we know what it’s like to bring in a new year, we just don’t always know what to expect. Nevertheless, as we welcome another year after saying goodbye to 2021, my hope is that this January finds you well, healthy, and growing in love of God and one another.

This month, I am excited to begin a new sermon series on the Parables of Jesus. In these stories, Jesus taught key principles about our Father’s kingdom using the familiar to unearth truths that were meant to inspire, instruct, and be implemented in the lives of his followers. I have always loved and appreciated the timelessness of these parables, and how Jesus used both everyday things and easy-to-comprehend meanings to teach his followers.

We will begin our series with the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18. In response to Peter’s question on forgiveness, and in the shadow of his teaching on conflict, Jesus tells this story. To prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and reflect on Matthew 18:21-35. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

How do you define forgiveness?

How does this parable answer Peter’s question?

What does forgiveness look like according to Jesus?

Why is forgiveness so important to God? And to us?

Stories are such an important part of our human experience. They chronicle our lives, entertain, and instruct. This is why parables are not only memorable, but they teach us. It is in this light that we must hold on to Jesus’ parables. To answer our questions, Jesus tells parables. To teach us about the kingdom, Jesus tells parables. And to show us what God requires of us, Jesus tells parables.

Sisters and brothers, as we begin this new year with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we now turn to these familiar teachings. In these parables, may we hear our Jesus, be led by the Spirit, and answer the call to follow our God and work for the kingdom. In our lives, may we be faithful as our God is faithful, loving as our God is loving, and gracious as our God is gracious.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Matthew 18:21-22)