Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Lord's Prayer Part II - Talking to the Father about the Family, Part 42 of 61

TEXT: "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:9-12).

IDEA: Small words can have great significance.

PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate how the request for bread may be linked to the request for forgiveness.

In the Greek text of the Sermon on the Mount, the fifth request for forgiveness of our sins is joined by the little conjunction “and” (kai) to the fourth request for daily bread. (It appears here for the first time.)

I. What significance do you think that little word “and” might have?

The two petitions belong together. As certainly as we need bread, we need forgiveness. As certainly as we will perish physically if we have no bread, we will perish in soul and body if we don’t have forgiveness (Robert Bohren).

Which of the two petitions are we most aware of?

The body, especially the stomach, has a stronger voice if it doesn’t get bread; it has been given the voice of a watchdog.

The soul, however, has a softer voice and therefore may go unheard.

Do you think that men and women in our society really believe they have guilt for which they need forgiveness?

II. Hunger or Forgiveness? Which of these do most people in our culture think the church should address first?