It is impossible for an unforgiving person to live in fellowship with a God who has unconditionally forgiven him. Those who rejoice in the Master’s grace will “forgive from the heart and gladly do good” to those who sin against them.
Since Jesus, the Good Shepherd, spared no pain to find the lost sheep, so Christ’s Church will diligently use God’s law and gospel to call the erring brother to repentance. The object is always to win the brother over. The church speaks with Christ’s full authority when it declares God’s judgment upon the impenitent sinner and pronounces full forgiveness to the penitent sinner.
Human reason cannot consider Jesus to be any more than a prophet – the forerunner of the Messiah, at best. But Peter, on behalf of the other disciples, confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” On this bedrock confession, the entire church of God is built. We who are built upon Christ has overcome the dark powers of death. Jesus gave all Christians the authority to proclaim freedom to penitent sinners. Likewise, Christ’s voice is heard through us when we withhold forgiveness from those who proudly insist on their life of sin.
How harshly Jesus seems to treat a gentile woman who turns to “the Son of David” for help! Her repeated pleas are met with silence, exclusion, and insult. Nevertheless, faith in a loving, merciful Savior still sees room for a “yes” in his harsh replies. Her “great faith” in Jesus is not disappointed but strengthened. Her prayer is answered with the healing of her daughter.
The disciples were terrified at the sight of Jesus walking across the water toward their boat. Fears are dispelled by Jesus’ words, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Faith is emboldened at Jesus’ invitation, “Come!” And the arm of the Almighty is never too short when little faith trembles, “Lord, save me!” The life of a Christian is often riddled with fears, doubts, and distractions. But even a “little faith” finds strength in the gracious promises of the almighty Son of God. When the storms of life pass, we, too, worship Jesus with a deeper confidence: “Truly you are the Son of God.”