Read Matthew 18:23-35 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
1. What actions and themes do you see in today’s verses?
2. How do the actions of the king’s debtor reveal his character?
3. Where do you see God in this passage, and what do you learn about Him?
Respond
Today’s verses portray a sobering parable taught by Jesus. After He told Peter to forgive “seventy times seven,” He shared a story about a man who was forgiven of a massive debt. Instead of remembering and reflecting that forgiveness, the man showed cruelty to someone who owed him far less than his own debts to the king.
Both parts of this story are critical to understand forgiveness. Through Jesus, God has forgiven a debt that we could’ve never paid. Because of that, we should be the first in line to extend forgiveness. Our story doesn’t start with someone else owing us; it begins with us being forgiven by the God of the universe. We’re forgiven. We’re covered in grace. Therefore, we can extend that same grace to others.
Have you fully acknowledged your need of a Savior? Are there any relationships where you’ve refused to show the same forgiveness shown to you by God? Confess it to Him now. Thank Him for His lavish grace, and ask Him to help you forgive others in the same manner He’s forgiven you.
Want to go deeper? Visit this link for six takeaway lessons on forgiveness from today’s parable.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.