Matthew 18:21–35 tells the Parable of the unforgiving servant, a powerful story about forgiveness and mercy. The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates the consequences of holding onto grudges. Parable of the unforgiving servant is a reminder to extend mercy as we’ve received it.
Jesus never softens the truth when it comes to forgiveness. Reflect on the unforgiving nature depicted in the parable to fully grasp its lesson.
In one of His most sobering parables, Jesus teaches that receiving mercy comes with a divine expectation: extend that same mercy to others.
Matthew 18:21–35 (NASB 2020)
21 Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times. 23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made. 26 So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27 And the master of that slave felt compassion, and he released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was unwilling, and went and threw him in prison until he would pay back what was owed. 31 So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved, and came and reported to their master all that had happened. 32 Then summoning him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him. 35 My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- Jesus was answering Peter’s question about forgiveness
- He was also instructing all the disciples (and us today) on the boundless mercy of God and our obligation to extend it. The message is clear, just like the parable of the unforgiving servant.
What Happened?
- Peter asked how often we should forgive a brother
- Jesus answered with a parable about a slave forgiven a massive debt, who then refused to forgive a smaller one. The parable of the unforgiving servant underscores this lesson.
- The master revoked his forgiveness, and judgment followed
The Mood: Merciful, Serious, Confronting
- Jesus reveals the depth of God’s grace
- He also highlights the severity of unforgiveness depicted vividly in the parable of the unforgiving servant.
- It is a moment of both warning and invitation
The Principle: Forgive Because You’ve Been Forgiven
- God has forgiven us an unpayable debt
- Unforgiveness is spiritual hypocrisy
- Mercy received must become mercy given, as illustrated in the parable of the unforgiving servant.
- There are consequences for withholding grace
Audience Response (Then)
- Peter and the disciples were likely stunned
- Jesus’ parable challenged their idea of limits in grace; the Parable of the unforgiving servant was eye-opening.
- The story left a clear picture: you cannot receive mercy and withhold it at the same time
What This Means for Us in 2025
In a culture that nurtures grudges, Jesus calls us to radical grace:
- Let go of what others owe you, perhaps remembering the parable of the unforgiving servant.
- Choose freedom over bitterness
- Reflect God’s heart, not human justice
- Remember what YOU were forgiven of
Action Steps for Today
- Ask God to remind you what you’ve been forgiven
- Identify anyone you haven’t forgiven
- Pray a blessing over them instead of resentment
- Release the debt they owe emotionally and spiritually
- Walk in grace and be a living testimony of mercy
Final Prayer
Father, You have forgiven me of more than I could ever repay. Help me to reflect that same mercy. Show me who I need to forgive, and give me grace to do it from the heart. Let my life be a testimony to Your radical forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Forgiveness isn’t optional in the Kingdom—it’s foundational, as seen in the Parable of the unforgiving servant.
