Matthew 18:21-35

Introduction:

1. “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” (Alexander Pope)

2. God demands His people forgive others as He has them.

Discussion:

I. The Command to Forgive

A. Sadly, people will wrong other people (Romans 3:23; Luke 17:1-2).

B. Jesus outlined the reconciliation process in Matthew 18:15-20.

C. This is no suggestion; it is a command (Luke 17:3-4; Colossians 3:13).

II. The Frequency of Forgiveness

A. Peter’s query shows reconciliation can be exhausting (vs. 21).

B. The rabbis taught that forgiving three times was sufficient, so Peter’s seven times was quite benevolent.

1. Jesus demands more of His disciples (cf. Matthew 5:20).

2. Seventy times seven meant as often as one repents.

C. Refusal to repent is the only reason to withhold (Luke 17:3-4).

D. We must forgive others just as He forgives us (Ephesians 4:32-5:2).

III. The Consequence of Refusing to Forgive

A. This parable highlights the evil of unforgiveness.

B. It begins by reminding us of our true place with God:

1. He is our King; we are His slaves (Romans 6:16-18).

2. A slave is not above his/her master (John 15:20).

C. Thankfully, our King is benevolent (vv. 23-27).

D. He forgave the servant an insurmountable debt, but the servant abused his fellow servant over a meager debt.

E. If His forgiven servants refuse to forgive His other servants, He will revoke their forgiveness and punish them (vv. 28-35)..

Conclusion:

1. If we refuse forgiveness to our fellow servants, our mutual Master will not forgive us our debt (cf. Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15; 7:1-5; James 2:12-13).

2. It is the height of arrogance to deny forgiveness to our equals when our Superior has forgiven us far greater debts.