Gospel
Matthew 18:21–19:1
21 Peter approached Jesus asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. 23 That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. 25 Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. 26 At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 27 Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. 28 When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. 31 Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. 32 His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. 33 Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ 34 Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. 35 So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” 19:1 When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan.
Historical Background
This passage occurs in Galilee, likely in Capernaum, during Jesus’ private teaching moments with His disciples. Written by Matthew, a former tax collector turned disciple, the Gospel targets Jewish Christians familiar with Mosaic law and rabbinic traditions.
Rabbinic teaching often limited forgiveness to three times. Peter’s offer of seven was generous by Jewish standards, but Jesus radically expands it to “seventy times seven,” signaling boundless mercy.
Matthew 19:1 marks a geographical and thematic shift—Jesus leaves Galilee for Judea, moving toward the cross.
Theological Context
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not a matter of arithmetic but of heart posture. The parable of the unforgiving servant illustrates divine mercy contrasted with human hardness. The kingdom of heaven operates on grace, not merit. The forgiven are expected to forgive.
The parable warns that those who receive mercy but refuse to extend it will face judgment. It echoes the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us… as we forgive.” This follows Jesus’ teaching on reconciliation (Matthew 18:15–20), showing that forgiveness is the goal of all correction.
Learning Lessons
Forgiveness Is a lifestyle, not a one-time act, but a continual choice rooted in gratitude for God’s mercy. Mercy mirrors majesty. We reflect the King’s character when we forgive others. Moveoveer, forgiveness releases bitterness and opens the door to healing.
Let is always remember that our offenses against God far outweigh those committed against us—yet He forgives freely.
“Seventy Times Seven”
How many times, O Lord, must I forgive?
Seven? A sacred, perfect sum?
But You, with mercy vast as skies,
Say, “Seventy times seven—come.”
A servant bowed beneath his debt,
Ten thousand talents, none to pay.
Yet grace unchains his trembling soul,
And sends him freely on his way.
But mercy hoarded turns to stone,
He grips another by the throat.
The echo of his master's grace
Is drowned beneath a bitter note.
O teach me, Lord, to count no wrong,
To cancel debts with heaven’s pen.
For I was once that servant too—
Forgiven, freed, and born again.
Lord Jesus,
You who forgave the weight of my sin, teach me to forgive as You do—freely, fully, and without keeping score. Let my heart be soft toward those who wrong me, remembering the mercy You poured out on the cross.
When bitterness tempts me, remind me of the servant forgiven much. When pride rises, humble me like a child in Your presence. Make me a vessel of reconciliation, a mirror of Your grace, and a witness to the transforming power of forgiveness. In Your name, the name above all names,
Amen.
Pericope
V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church
THE PARABLE OF THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT
Matthew 18:21–35
Gospel Acclamation
Let your countenance shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
