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Jesus explains to his audience through a story how God handles the guilt of people. God’s love also means forgiveness, but acting without conscience will be punished mercilessly.
At first glance the story is about financial debts which were part of everyday life then, too. These debts could be demanded back more or less mercilessly. In this example we learn how different people act in such situations.
At first glance the story is about financial debts which were part of everyday life then, too. These debts could be demanded back more or less mercilessly. In this example we learn how different people act in such situations.
Jesus said, "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants."
Read the Parable in Matthew 18, 21-35
A man who is heavily in debts and owes another man an enormous amount doesn’t pay back this money. He is then threatened with being sold along with his wife, children and his whole property. The debtor asks for mercy and promises to pay back everything. The man who has lent him the money is merciful and generously cancels this debt.
A man who is heavily in debts and owes another man an enormous amount doesn’t pay back this money. He is then threatened with being sold along with his wife, children and his whole property. The debtor asks for mercy and promises to pay back everything. The man who has lent him the money is merciful and generously cancels this debt.
The debtor mercilessly persecutes another man now, who is in much less debt to him.
Because this man can’t pay his debts he has him sent to prison. His acting without conscience has consequences for him. He is handed over to the torturers by the generous man who is full of wrath, till the debt is paid back.
Because this man can’t pay his debts he has him sent to prison. His acting without conscience has consequences for him. He is handed over to the torturers by the generous man who is full of wrath, till the debt is paid back.
Jesus says (Matt. 18, 35): “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
In Matt. 18, 21 Jesus answers the question, “How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus, „I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
For us this result is mathematical 490times, and numerically an inconceivable test of our patience. Today we can assume that he means we must have a continuous willingness to excuse and forgive in all matters.
In Matt. 18, 21 Jesus answers the question, “How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus, „I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
For us this result is mathematical 490times, and numerically an inconceivable test of our patience. Today we can assume that he means we must have a continuous willingness to excuse and forgive in all matters.
About the merciless servant - Conscience - Guilt - Forgiveness - Jesus tells a parable
