People love rules for two reasons. First, they want clear guidelines on what they need to do to be in good standing, and therefore, off the hook. Second, as rule followers, they want a high perch from which to look down and criticize others who, by their measure, do not follow the rules.

In Matthew, Jesus teaches that God provides his rules in the Torah because of the hardness of men's hearts. Such laws are not the measure of success, but a minimum requirement from a God who demands perfection of his followers.

So Peter—please—do not quote Leviticus to get yourself off the hook for your duty to the Gentiles.

Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 18:21-22.

Episode 334 Matthew 18:21-22; Music:

Bama Country by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3417-bama-country

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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