I was wonder the thing about binding and loosing, if there isn't some sort of picture that I'm missing. Like tying up a load or something. I wonder that because I don't get it. I'm missing something. What is the significance of that reflection in heaven of what is done on earth? I'm not sure.
Where two or three are gathered, there Jesus is with them. I often hear this quoted at churches about how He is there in the service with us. But this statement is made in the midst of the talk about relationships, and how we deal with each other. The disciples would probably have taken this not literally, but figuratively, seeing as how Jesus was a person and couldn't be everywhere. In other places, Jesus identifies Himself as "the other person" who we give a glass of water to, etc. Perhaps in these situations, as we are gathered together, He is there in the midst of us as that other person.
In the last bit, Peter asks how many times we should forgive someone. What is the limit of our forgiveness. Jesus says there is no limit. Keep forgiving. But in verse 17, Jesus tells us not to associate with someone who has wronged us and is unrepentant (at least that's what I get from it). But now we are told to forgive indefinitely. Maybe forgiveness is somewhat dependent on repentance? I wouldn't make it a direct correlation, but maybe some sort of consideration must be given to it. Probably depends on the situation.
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