“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 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. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, “Pay me what you owe!” So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.’”—Matthew 18:21–35 (NKJV)
Have you ever found yourself reading right past a familiar passage of Scripture as if you’re on autopilot and your mind says,”Yeah, yeah that’s true,” but somehow you forget to slow down long enough to absorb the meaning and power behind it? Perhaps you’re failing to ask yourself, “How can I apply this Scripture to my life in a real and tangible way?” You’re certainly not alone in this habit. Unfortunately, I’m guilty as well. I’m not sure why this happens, but I know it’s not what God wants from us. So, let’s slow down together and look at the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
We begin with Peter’s question of how often we should offer forgiveness. Likely thinking if he doubled what was customary, he’d be met with praise from Jesus. Jesus’ response must’ve completely shocked Peter and the disciples. If I really chew on this truth, it is shocking. Do you wrestle with forgiveness?
Jesus helps us digest His response to Peter’s question with this parable. This story allows us to put forgiveness in its proper perspective.
The servant owes the king ten thousand talents, which is an astronomical amount of money and represents a completely unpayable debt. Because I couldn’t help myself, I looked up what that dollar amount would be equivalent to today. Someone much smarter than me figured it to be $226,291,702.50 USD. This represents the immense sin debt we owe to a holy, righteous, and just God.
We then see a repentant servant seeking forgiveness for his debt: “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.” This servant represents every repentant Christian that’s ever walked the face of the earth. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) tell us the devastating truth that, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” How amazing is the Lord’s mercy and grace? He’s remarkably compassionate toward each one of us.
Next, we see the forgiven servant refuses to forgive. It’s such a stark contrast to the abundant forgiveness and benevolence he was given by his master. He tears to shreds his fellow servant for owing him 100 denarii, which is equivalent to $4,350 USD. The fellow servant even uses his exact wording, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all,” yet receives not an ounce of mercy.
I so often gravitate to writing about forgiveness because I personally need a reminder of how vital it is to my relationship to Christ and others. It’s very important to understand the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Actual reconciliation of a relationship can only happen when both people agree to it. Many times repentance is needed from one or both people in the conflict. However, forgiveness can be one-sided.
Jesus said to Peter, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Jesus is using an idiom here. He’s actually calling us to unlimited forgiveness, which can only be accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit. We forgive because God, through Christ, forgave us of all our wickedness and rebellion. Our sin debt has been paid in full. Therefore, we can extend forgiveness to others from a place of massive gratitude.
Pause: This parable is a great example of how apt we are to see the wrongdoings or sins of others, but be so painfully unaware of our own. How many times have we justified holding a grudge? God looks at our unforgiveness as wickedness!
Practice: Are you holding on to unforgiveness? How to forgive may be your next question. Ultimately that’s between you and Jesus. For me, I was more willing to forgive once I grieved the pain of the offense. Sit down and journal with Jesus this week. Have Him walk you through the grieving process of all the pain you’ve been holding on to in your unforgiveness. Let Him remind you of all He’s forgiven you of.
Pray: Dear Jesus, Help me remember how much my sin is an offense to You, and if You are gracious, and merciful to me, then I need help to provide that to others. Remind me that forgiveness is a worthy journey. I ask You to give me a soft, pliable heart and a desire to forgive. Purify my heart oh Lord. I know a pure heart brings You joy and puts a smile on Your face. I surrender all of my unforgiveness and I lay it before You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
