Mercy Received and Refused

The Way of Forgiveness · Matthew 18

Story guide: The servant receives an astonishing release, but the rest of the parable exposes the contradiction of refusing a fellow servant the mercy already received.

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23For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

24And when he began to settle accounts, one debtor who owed ten thousand talents was brought to him.

25But since he was unable to repay, the master ordered that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.

26So the servant fell down and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you everything.’

27Then the master of that servant, moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.

28But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began choking him, saying, ‘Pay back whatever you owe.’

29So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you.’

30But he was not willing; instead, he went away and threw him into prison until he should pay what was owed.

31Therefore, when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved, and they came and reported to their lord everything that had happened.

32Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘Wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.’

33Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I also had mercy on you?

34And in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay all that was owed.

35So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from the heart.

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