Jan. 27, 2021
The plagues of the locusts and darkness continue the Lord’s purposes of the Exodus. By these signs and wonders, He is delivering them from the Egyptians so that Israel may know that He is the Lord their God. Moses and Aaron deliver a final warning to Pharaoh that the next plague would be the last and that the consequence would be severe.
Each time, the plague ends with the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. The Bible is careful to show throughout the narrative that the Lord is sovereign over all the events and that Pharaoh is accountable for his own sin.
“Pharaoh’s officials said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the Lord their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?” - Exodus 10:7
Peter asks Jesus for the kingdom standard of forgiveness, thinking seven times to be more than enough. The common standard within Judaism in that day was three times, so Peter figures seven times to be generous. Jesus responds with a hyperbolic seventy-seven times, making the point that sons of the kingdom should always be forgiving.
Jesus illustrates his hyperbole with a parable of a servant who owed his master a large amount he could not pay, equal to about $6 billion in today’s terms. His master shows compassion on the servant by forgiving this immeasurable debt. The hypocritical servant demands a much smaller debt from his fellow servant (about $12,000 in today’s terms).
The wicked servant is delivered to the jailers for punishment. Jesus warns that the same fate awaits for any disciple who does not forgive his brother.
Make It Personal
- Can you relate to Pharaoh with a time in your life when you chose pride instead of humility to the Lord’s leading? What were the consequences?
- Who might you need to forgive to walk in freedom today?
- Pray to have the courage to forgive them and walk in freedom and humility today.
Learn More
Who is responsible for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, God or Pharaoh? Read this article by Tim Mackie at the Bible Project to unpack this difficult question.