Parables of Jesus - Parable of the unforgiving servant

Parable of the unforgiving servant

Matthew 18:23-35

King James Version (KJV)

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Jesus had a different perspective on Murder as he says in Matthew 5:21-26

Murder

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 

24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 

26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

In the parable when the king had compassion and loosed the servant, all he expected was to have the same compassion for him on his fellowservant, but the servant did not have pity on his fellowservant and  took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 

Jesus wants us to understand a perspective on this parable. He says in the Lord's prayer also Matthew 6:12 (KJV) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

We should never take advantage of a situation. If we have to show compassion and kindness we should always, if we have to forgive someone we should always be ready to forgive them. Not holding anything against them and to have a good attitude and wish them good. Romans 12:21 (KJV) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Matthew 5:44 NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Let us have the same perspective as Jesus did, as he said in Luke 23:34 (KJV)

34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.