Seventy-Seven Times

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." -Matt 18:21-22 (NIV)

When we read this we may think, Wow, what a random number for Jesus to pick out of the air. And yes, it has that nice biblical tone to it, but I don't think that number is so random anymore. I came across this passable scripture this morning:

  Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”  - Gen 4:23-24 (NIV)

Did you see what Jesus did there? He told Peter exactly what direction Jesus was going in and that we should follow along on a very different mindset from the way the world thinks. In much the same way Lamech got revenge against those who had done wrong to him- which is a natural and human desire, Jesus is admonishing his followers to forgive those who wrong them.
Yes, we might have gotten the point without the former OT verse, but I think this hits home even moreso.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)