PER204

Parable of the king and the servant

The parable of the king and the servant (Mt 18.23-35), told in Capernaum in September 32, is unique to Matthew. It illustrates the vital importance of forgiveness by contrasting an immense debt of 10,000 talents cancelled by a merciful king with a small debt of 100 coins refused by the forgiven servant. The central teaching: those whom God forgives must in turn forgive, or they will lose the grace they received.

9 min parable forgiveness unmerciful servant king debt 13 verses 6 books

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Biblical texts

Matthew
Matthew 18.23-35 (King James Version)

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Mark
Mark (King James Version) not cited in the book
Luke
Luke (King James Version) not cited in the book
John
John (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Year AD 32

Location: Capernaum in Galilee

Date: September 32

Method: We continue with Matthew

Note on the method: Matthew is the only one to relate this

Map of Capernaum

The Messiah Jesus now speaks of forgiveness with a .

Parable of the king and the servant

Jesus addressing the crowd

Comments

The passages of Matthew 18.15-22 and Luke 17.3-4 deal with the principle of forgiveness. Matthew then introduces the of the unmerciful servant to reinforce in his readers’ minds the vital importance of forgiveness.

A crucial aspect of this lies in the distinction between the two amounts mentioned. Matthew specifically states 10,000 talents for the first case and 100 silver coins for the second case.

The addresses the theme of the cancellation of a debt, or forgiveness. It compares the kingdom of heaven to a king. The term “kingdom of heaven” refers to the salvation offered by God to human beings. The teaching of this is addressed to those who heard it as well as to all who read it in the writings of Matthew.

The

God’s forgiveness allows man to enter the kingdom of heaven, an inestimable treasure. According to this teaching, those whose sins are forgiven must also forgive those who have offended them (Matthew 18.21-22, Ephesians 4.32).

Let us consider for a moment the potential impact of applying this fundamental principle to everyone’s life. It is also relevant to examine the implications of the . The teaching of the Messiah Jesus stands in sharp contrast to traditional human principles, often summed up by the expression “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21.24, Leviticus 24.20 and Matthew 5.38).

Matthew 5.38-42 (King James Version) :
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

It is clear that applying the principles promulgated by the Messiah Jesus would bring about a significant transformation of our society and could offer solutions to the many problems affecting modern society.

We find the same theme of forgiveness addressed in other places in the Gospels, such as:

  • Luke 7.41-50 : The of the two debtors, in which Jesus explains to Simon the that the one who was forgiven a great debt loves more.
  • Matthew 6.12-15 : Jesus teaches that the forgiveness granted to others is linked to the forgiveness we receive from God.
  • Luke 15.11-32 : The of the prodigal son, which illustrates the Father’s mercy toward his repentant son.
  • Mark 11.25 : Jesus stresses the importance of forgiving others so that God will forgive us.

These passages highlight the idea that forgiveness is essential in our relationship with God and with others.