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PARABLE: Unforgiving servant

 {PARABLE} The unforgiving servant_ 

Matthew 18:21-35 

 
It seems to be true that a critical, unforgiving person tends also to be a guilt-prone person (and vice versa). People who struggle with feelings of guilt are usually critical of others and tend to harbour resentment. 

“The extent to which we judge ourselves out of fear and shame, we will also judge others. On the other hand, the more we take in the full extent of God’s grace and forgiveness, the more we are released from our fears and become free to extend grace to others.”  

Do you agree with this quote? 
Explain why. 

 
[Discussion starter activity] As a group make a list of thoughts, feelings and beliefs which create barriers to fully forgiving another person. 

 
In this parable Jesus teaches us how important it is to respond with gratitude to God’s abundant love and generous mercy, so that we can let go of our fear and self-judgement and freely extend love and mercy toward others... 

 
[Read Matthew 18:21-35] 

 

How would you describe Peter’s question in verse 21? 
 

 
What view of forgiveness does Peter’s question reveal? 
 

 
Jesus tells Peter to forgive his brother seventy-seven (or seventy times seven) times. 
What is Jesus’ point? 

 
Ten thousand talents (in verse 24) is equal to about £3 million, and the king’s intended action (in verse 25) would have been considered just. 
If you were the man, how would you have felt before and after the king cancelled your debt? 

 
In light of this story, how real to you is... 
A) Your indebtedness to God? 

 

B) The marvel of your escape from justice? 

 

 
100 denarii (about £130) is a trivial amount compared to ten thousand talents. 
What lesson do you think that Jesus intends by using this sum of money? 
 

 
How should the comparison affect our view of the sins of others? 
 

 
Think about Jesus’ parable as a response to Peter’s question. 
What would you say is at the heart of Jesus’ answer to Peter? 
 

 
In verses 34-35, what happens to our spiritual freedom and our fellowship with God, when we are critical and unforgiving? 
 

 
Think of someone that you have had difficulty forgiving. 
What barriers keep you from being free to forgive this person? 
 

 
How would remembering God’s love and forgiveness towards you help you forgive others? 

 

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