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Commentaries
English
Matthew
  
e) The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
(Matthew 18:23-35)
23Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.24And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.25But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.26The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’27Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. (Nehemiah5:5)


Christ explained to us His commandment of infinite forgiveness and gave us an example of a great king who lent his servant today’s equivalent of about twenty million dollars. Every one of us is like this servant who was given much, for God gave us minds, eyes, ears, hands, and will. Each one of these gifts is priceless. You are God’s agent for His gifts deposited into your body, soul, and spirit. Even your family, money, strength, and time are but a gift of God, the Provider, and the Giver of good gifts. Therefore you will be responsible to Him as long as you live.
In His parable, Christ showed us a clear picture of the coming judgment day. If we handle God’s gifts like the indifferent servant, we will not be able to give God back what is his, because we have lived for ourselves, not for God. Therefore examine carefully how you use your gifts. Do you live for God, or for yourself? Do you serve the needy as instructed by the Holy Spirit, or only your own family? Beware! For you will be called to account for every second that God entrusted to you. You will stand bare before Him, mumbling in your spiritual poverty and failure if you have not already confessed all your sins to God.
The king sent his servant to trial and commanded that he be sold with his wife and family into slavery until he fully pays his debt. Such is the same with you. You will assuredly be judged for all neglected services and your numerous sins. You are responsible not only for yourself but for the other members of your family as well.
When the servant realized his punishment, he fell down before his master, begged for his grace and mercy, and confessed his fault and disobedience. When will you also fall down before God and beg His pardon and salvation for yourself and your family before the coming judgment? When will you beg the Holy One’s forgiveness because you are living as a mistaken unmerciful servant? God will answer today your prayer of repentance, and will forgive you all your sins if you confess them. Whoever believes in God’s great mercy will know the truth of the cross. They shall recognize that the Crucified One has completely taken away by His blood all their spiritual debts. As a result of the death of Christ, we know that God has truly forgiven us our sins. Ask Him in faith to realize His forgiveness into your life, because He will be your benefactor if you hold fast to the cross.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Have mercy on me, a sinner who deserves Your wrath. Forgive my impurities, lies, and resentment for the sake of Your Son’s death. Sanctify all my intents. I thank You because You forgave our sins and purified us through Christ’s atoning death. You will not condemn us but keep us in Your grace forever.
Question
Why and how did the king forgive the unmerciful agent?