The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. Matthew 18:23–27
The servant’s master felt his heart going out to the man. He took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. The servant was undeserving, but the king acted with mercy (withholding punishment that was deserved) and grace (giving a great gift that was not deserved).
So it should be among brothers and sisters in God’s family. All of a Christian’s sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. What this parable reinforces, therefore, is the Christian’s duty to forgive others in the same way he has been forgiven. This entire passage addresses forgiveness within the family of God. 1
Personal Encouragement
What debt did your King forgive that you could never repay? How do you show your gratitude to your King? How often do you do this?
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14–15
The mercy of the King is much better than the justice of the King.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for all Your underserving compassion and mercy, all the time.
1. Weber, S. K. (2000). Matthew (Vol. 1). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
