The Unforgiving servant Matthew 18:21-35 Extending mercy as we have received mercy

Introduction Context of the parable: Jesus told disciples that the greatest is humble like a child (v. 1-5) Warns of causing offenses (v. 6-9) Tells of the value of one soul and His mission to seek & save the lost (v. 10-14) Teaches how to deal with a sinning brother (v. 15-20)

Introduction Context of the parable: Parable spoken by Christ in answer to Peter’s question about forgiveness (v. 21-22) Peter asked how often must I forgive Thought 7 times was generous Jesus said to forgive 70 X 7 (unlimited) Lack of forgiveness is a prevalent sin among Christians.

The parable stated King settles accounts with servants (v. 23) One servant owed 10,000 talents (v. 24)

10,000 talents 1 Talent = 100 pounds. If gold: $1379 per ounce; 16 ounces = 1 pound. $22,064 per pound. 1 talent (100 lbs) = $2,206,400. Total owed: 10,000 talents = $22,064,000,000 (billion)

Hopeless situation Work thousands Of years Could NEVER repay!

The parable stated King commanded (v. 25): Servant be sold Servant’s wife to be sold Servant’s children to be sold Everything he owned to be sold

The parable stated Servant begged for mercy (v. 26-27) Said, “I will pay you all” Servant said he would pay all debt – impossible! The king had compassion; forgave debt

The parable stated Forgiven servant found a fellow servant who owed him 100 denarii (v. 28) Took him by throat “Pay me what you owe!” Owed $7,000

The parable stated Debtor begged for mercy (v. 29) No mercy shown; cast into prison (v. 30) Fellow servants told the king (v. 31)

The parable stated Unforgiving servant brought to king (v. 32) The king called the servant “wicked” Should have followed my example of compassion (v. 33) Servant sent to be tortured (v. 34)

Lessons from the parable The debtor represents us. Man has sinned against God, ROMANS 3:23

ROMANS 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

Lessons from the parable The debtor represents us. Man has sinned against God, ROMANS 3:23 Man’s debt great; payment impossible! God’s grace makes it possible to have our sin debt forgiven Jesus makes it possible, EPHESIANS 2:8-9

EPHESIANS 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Lessons from the parable 2. The merciful king represents God The king was touched by the misfortune of the debtor; forgave him (v. 27) God forgives us when we obey Him, HEBREWS 5:8-9

HEBREWS 5:8-9 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him

Lessons from the parable 2. The merciful king represents God The king was touched by the misfortune of the debtor; forgave him (v. 27) God forgives us WHEN we obey Him, HEBREWS 5:8-9 The conditions of pardon are the SAME to every person of age, Romans 2:11 (no partiality with God)

Lessons from the parable 3. Forgiveness of God conditional on our forgiving others Contrast treatment received vs. given: Was forgiven $22,064,000,000 Refused to forgive $7000 We will not be forgiven if don’t forgive, MATTHEW 6:14-15

MATTHEW 6:14-15 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (15) But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Lessons from the parable 3. Forgiveness of God conditional on our forgiving others Contrast treatment received vs. given: Was forgiven $22,064,000,000 Refused to forgive $3,000 We will not be forgiven if don’t forgive, MATTHEW 6:14-15 Many, even Christians, like the servant

Lessons from the parable We will go to hell if we do not forgive (v. 34-35)

MATTHEW 18:34-35 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."

Furnace of fire, Matthew 13:50 Place of eternal fire, Matthew 25:41 Place of outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth Matthew 25:30 Place of punishment, Matthew 25:46

Lessons from the parable We will go to hell if we do not forgive (v. 34-35) When we do not forgive, others control our lives & thoughts. We should forgive because it makes us like God. We cannot worship properly until we forgive others, MATTHEW 5:23-24

MATTHEW 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Conclusion We cannot afford to be cast into eternal torment We must forgive as God forgave us Are you harboring an unforgiving spirit? Have you received the forgiveness of sins available to you through Jesus?

GOD’S SIMPLE PLAN FOR SALVATION Rev. 2:10 1 PET. 3:21 baptism JN. 12:42 confess LK. 13:3 UNTIL DEATH OBEDIENT repent JN. 6:29 believe ACTS 3:22 hear