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Matthew 18:21-35 | Forgive
Jesus is teaching his disciples and us how to respond when a brother or sister sins against us. After learning the actions we are to take to bring restoration, Peter seeks clarity from Jesus on how many times to forgive offenses. Forgiving seven times seems generous. However, Jesus responds with multiplied forgiveness - our willingness to forgive must be limitless.
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus calls us as a kingdom family to forgive. It is because God forgives so greatly, that he expects his followers to do the same. No offense to us could ever compare to the amount that we have been forgiven by God. Forgiveness brings freedom, counting the cost of the sin as paid, and releasing us from bondage.
If you don’t forgive, then you show the true condition of your heart. Our forgiveness reveals our heart towards God. True freedom comes from a life of forgiveness, passing on the gift that we have graciously received. When the hurt is real, you can keep your eyes on the cross as you walk forward in your forgiveness.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
Jesus is teaching his disciples and us how to respond when a brother or sister sins against us. After learning the actions we are to take to bring restoration, Peter seeks clarity from Jesus on how many times to forgive offenses. Forgiving seven times seems generous. However, Jesus responds with multiplied forgiveness - our willingness to forgive must be limitless.
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus calls us as a kingdom family to forgive. It is because God forgives so greatly, that he expects his followers to do the same. No offense to us could ever compare to the amount that we have been forgiven by God. Forgiveness brings freedom, counting the cost of the sin as paid, and releasing us from bondage.
If you don’t forgive, then you show the true condition of your heart. Our forgiveness reveals our heart towards God. True freedom comes from a life of forgiveness, passing on the gift that we have graciously received. When the hurt is real, you can keep your eyes on the cross as you walk forward in your forgiveness.
Discussion Questions
- In the parable, why do you think the king forgives the huge debt so generously? How does this reflect on God’s grace towards us?
- What are the consequences the unforgiving servant faces after refusing to forgive? How does this warn us about the effects of withholding forgiveness?
- How does continual forgiveness in this way challenge common cultural attitudes toward justice and revenge?
- Can you share a time when forgiving someone was difficult but ultimately freeing for you?
- Forgiving someone doesn’t always mean forgetting or excusing the wrongdoing. How do you distinguish forgiveness from condoning harmful actions?
- Are there any past offenses or resentments you need to forgive? What steps will you take to grant forgiveness?
- What are some ways we can remind ourselves of God’s forgiveness to help cultivate a forgiving heart?
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
- How is your time with God?
- What are you praying for?
- What are you struggling with?
- Who are you praying for to know Jesus?
- What gospel conversations have you had this week with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus?