Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mankato
Lord's Prayer -- And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
July 30, 2000

Lesson 7: The Lord’s Prayer - The 5^th Petition

Text: Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus teaches us to pray…

The 5^th Petition: "And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Dr. Martin Luther explains…

What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look on our sins nor deny our prayer become of them. We are not worthy of things for which we are asking, neither have we deserved them. However, we ask that our Father would by His grace give us what we ask even though we sin often every day and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. We too will from our hearts gladly forgive and do good to all those who sin against us.

Scripture on the "Forgiveness of Sins":

• What do we confess about ourselves when we pray the 5^th Petition? (cf. Luke 15:21; Psalm 51:3-4; Psalm 143:2; Genesis 32:10)
• What do we ask in this petition? (cf. Psalm 51:1,9; Jeremiah 31:34; Psalm 55:1; Psalm 66:20)
• How do we show that we appreciate God’s forgiveness? (cf. Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:14-15)

A Parable Illustrating the Importance of Forgiveness:

• Read Matthew 18:21-22. What was Jesus’ point when He told Peter to forgive his brother "seventy times seven" times? How ought we apply it in our lives today?

• Read Matthew 18:23-27. Discuss the situation and its application to our lives.

• Read Matthew 18:28-30. Discuss this situation and how it too unfortunately finds application in our lives.

• Read Matthew 18:31-35. Discuss the consequences of the first servant’s actions and the meaning of Jesus’ warning for our lives.