📖 Bible Passage (KJV) – Matthew 18:23-35
²³ Therefore 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.
✨ All Summed Up
Jesus tells the story of a king who forgives a servant’s enormous debt. However, this same servant refuses to show mercy to a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. When the king learns of this, he becomes angry and punishes the unforgiving servant. This parable illustrates the necessity of forgiveness—just as God has forgiven us, we must also extend that same grace to others. If we refuse to forgive, we risk facing the same judgment we impose on others.
⚡Key Takeaway
- God’s mercy is immeasurable – The king’s forgiveness represents God’s willingness to pardon our sins.
- We must extend the mercy we receive – If God forgives us, we should forgive others.
- Unforgiveness leads to judgment – Holding onto resentment can result in consequences before God.
- True forgiveness comes from the heart – It’s not just about words but a sincere release of bitterness.
- God expects us to show the same grace we receive – If we fail to do so, we will be held accountable.
💭 Reflect & Apply
Have you ever held onto anger or refused to forgive someone? This parable reminds us that we have been forgiven an unpayable debt through Christ’s sacrifice. Just as God has shown us grace, we must extend that same forgiveness to others. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs but about freeing ourselves from bitterness. Take a moment to reflect—who do you need to forgive today? Ask God for the strength to release any grudges and embrace a heart of mercy.
👉 Share this parable with a friend and reflect on how it speaks to your life today. Take time to forgive, just as Christ forgave you.
🔗 Explore more parables from the Gospels
🔗 Learn about mercy in our Bible Verses section
🔗 Read the Word of God the Christian Cowboy way