Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Volumes could be and should be written and said about this section.  Owner forgives servant, servant does not forgive fellow servant.  Owner calls first servant and rebuked him for not passing along the gift of canceled debt, and sends him to be tortured.

Probably in today’s society we would say that this servant had a “right”  not to continue in the same spirit if he wanted.  No demands were specified.  Jesus begs to differ.  When you are given and forgiven much, it is nothing but wickedness not to do the same for others.

Bottom line, if we want to experience a bit of hell, we only need to harbor anger, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness.  Jesus minces no words.  Just as the servant’s owner turned the servant over to be tortured because he did not forgive as he was forgiven, Jesus says clearly “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless your forgive your brother from your heart.”  Words like this should keep us awake at night.

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Memorized:  Matthew 18:1-20 (Feb 24)

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