In early 2020 the world held its breath as a new virus circled the globe within weeks and shelves of face masks stood empty. This sermon shows there is a virus far older and more dangerous, sin, and none of us is immune to it. In Jesus’ words in Luke 17 we find the only effective vaccine: forgiveness, offered as many times as it takes and possible even with faith as small as a mustard seed. Listen and discover how what is humanly impossible becomes possible.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Luke 17:1-4 Jesus first warns against causing others to stumble and then speaks of rebuking and forgiving even seven times a day. Why do these two ideas belong together, and what would "seven times" have meant to the first listeners?
- The disciples respond to Jesus' words on forgiveness with "Increase our faith," and He answers with the mustard seed and the parable of the servant (Luke 17:5-10). What do these answers teach us about forgiving?
- The sermon recalled the Polish poem about two neighbours, calm Paweł and noisy Gaweł: we easily see ourselves as Paweł and others as Gaweł. In what situations do you notice that you might be the one causing someone close to you to stumble or get hurt?
- Daisy's story shows how unforgiveness passes down from generation to generation. What effects of unforgiveness do you see in families or relationships around you, and what could break that cycle?
- The preacher stressed that forgiveness is an act of faith rather than primarily a feeling, like Corrie ten Boom reaching out her hand to the former guard before feeling anything. What helps you forgive when your emotions still resist it?
- The sermon also spoke of the duty to confront someone gently and in love. Whom do you need to forgive this week, or with whom should you honestly talk about a hurt, and what small step of faith can you take?
