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The Unforgiving Servant

Illustration of The Unforgiving Servant

In response to Peter's question about forgiveness, Jesus presented this parable to his disciples. A ruler forgives his servant's vast debt of ten thousand talents, but the servant then refuses to pardon a fellow servant's small obligation and casts him into prison. When the ruler hears of this, he revokes his mercy and punishes the unforgiving servant, teaching that those forgiven much by God must forgive others or incur judgment. This account emphasizes the transformative power of grace within the kingdom, requiring believers to reflect divine mercy in their dealings.

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Category: Grace & Forgiveness

Meaning: Those who have been forgiven much must forgive others. Unforgiveness brings judgment.

Audience: Peter & Disciples

Key Passages

The Parable

Matthew 18:23-35

T23herefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Did You Know?

1

The king forgave an impossible debt of 10,000 talents (roughly 200,000 years of wages).

2

The servant then refused to forgive a tiny debt of 100 denarii (about 3 months wages).

3

Jesus teaches that receiving massive forgiveness should produce a heart that extends forgiveness to others.