INTRODUCTION

The Pharisees repeatedly sought to trap the Lord by attempting to draw Him into controversial discussions. Today's passage demonstrates much more than a simple response to entangling questioning. Interestingly, we learn from the Lord's response that God's law made allowances for man based upon God's understanding of man’s nature. In other words, the Lord Jesus indicated that God gave some of the law simply because of the hardness of man’s heart! Unfortunately, these laws are used today by men to justify decisions contrary to God's will thus further validating the hard-hearted nature of man. In either case, God's ways are never thwarted. God's laws allow even man's wickedness to bring about God's justice and His laws further expose the inherent shortcomings of man. God graciously gave some of His laws to make allowances for man's weaknesses caused by sin.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Read Matthew 18:23-33 [23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. [24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. [28] But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. [31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: [33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
  See All.... The wicked servant had the right to have the man who owed him money thrown into prison. The king was angry when he heard that the wicked servant wanted justice rather than expressing mercy and grace. Being entitled to do something does not always mean God is pleased with what you do.
• (For everyone): Do you abuse certain Bible verses as justification for your actions when you know that these actions displease God? Do you allow God’s concern for justice to become the grounds for which you violate God’s will for your life and the lives of others?
• Are you satisfied when you find a justification for doing something that God allows but doesn't will for you to do? The Bible says that allowances were created because of man’s hard-heartedness.

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you a tender heart toward His will.
• Ask God to keep you from the sin of justifying your sin.

HYMN

I Must Tell Jesus

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