Matthew 18:28

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe me!'

Study Bible

But when that servant went out
This phrase marks a transition from the previous scene where the servant had just been forgiven a massive debt by his master. The Greek word for "servant" here is "δοῦλος" (doulos), which implies a bondservant or slave, indicating a position of subservience and obligation. The phrase "went out" suggests a departure from the presence of grace and mercy, symbolizing a return to worldly concerns and self-interest.

he found one of his fellow servants
The term "fellow servants" translates from the Greek "σύνδουλος" (syndoulos), meaning a co-slave or fellow bondservant. This highlights the equality and shared status among the servants, emphasizing the expectation of mutual compassion and understanding. The historical context of servitude in the Roman Empire underscores the commonality of their plight and the moral obligation to extend the same mercy received.

who owed him a hundred denarii
A "denarius" was a day's wage for a laborer, making a hundred denarii a significant but manageable debt. This contrasts sharply with the enormous debt the first servant was forgiven, illustrating the disparity between divine forgiveness and human pettiness. The historical context of currency and labor in ancient Judea provides insight into the relative value of the debt, underscoring the servant's lack of mercy.

He grabbed him and began to choke him
The physical aggression described here, "grabbed" and "choke," reflects an extreme and violent response. The Greek word "πνίγω" (pnigo) for "choke" conveys a sense of strangling or suffocating, symbolizing the oppressive nature of unforgiveness. This action starkly contrasts with the mercy shown by the master, highlighting the servant's failure to internalize the grace he received.

saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
The demand "Pay back what you owe me" reveals a heart hardened by greed and self-righteousness. The Greek "ἀπόδος" (apodos) for "pay back" is an imperative, indicating a command rather than a request. This insistence on justice over mercy reflects a legalistic mindset, ignoring the transformative power of forgiveness. Theologically, it serves as a caution against the dangers of hypocrisy and the failure to emulate divine compassion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Unforgiving Servant
A servant who, despite being forgiven a massive debt by his master, refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant.

2. The Fellow Servant
Another servant who owes the unforgiving servant a relatively small amount of money, symbolizing the minor offenses we encounter in daily life.

3. The Master
Represents God, who shows immense mercy and forgiveness, setting the standard for how we should forgive others.

4. The Debt
The hundred denarii, a small debt compared to what the unforgiving servant was forgiven, symbolizes the minor grievances we hold against others.

5. The Event of Confrontation
The unforgiving servant's harsh treatment of his fellow servant highlights the hypocrisy and lack of mercy that Jesus warns against.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Forgiveness
Understand the magnitude of God's forgiveness towards us and how it should compel us to forgive others.

Hypocrisy in Unforgiveness
Recognize the inconsistency in accepting God's grace while withholding it from others.

The Danger of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness can lead to spiritual bondage and hinder our relationship with God.

Practical Forgiveness
Implement daily practices of forgiveness, remembering that no offense against us compares to our offenses against God.

Reflecting God's Character
Strive to mirror God's mercy and compassion in our interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unforgiving servant's behavior contrast with the mercy shown by the master, and what does this teach us about our own attitudes towards forgiveness?

2. In what ways can holding onto unforgiveness affect our spiritual and emotional well-being?

3. How can we practically apply the principle of forgiveness in our daily interactions, especially when dealing with repeated offenses?

4. Reflect on a time when you were forgiven by someone. How did that experience shape your understanding of forgiveness?

5. How do the teachings in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 reinforce the message of Matthew 18:28, and how can these scriptures guide us in building a forgiving community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:12-15
This passage emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us, reinforcing the message of mercy and forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32
Encourages believers to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave us, aligning with the lesson of the parable.

Colossians 3:13
Calls for bearing with one another and forgiving grievances, reflecting the need for forgiveness in Christian community life.