Peter came to Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Peter said to Him “Lord, how many times and how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Should it be that I forgive him until seven times?Jesus said to Peter, I do not say to you Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. “ Jesus goes on to speak a parable which at first consideration would seem practically impossible scenario. He often spoke in parables for those who did not understand about the kingdom and sometimes parables were hidden even from the disciples. If needed, He would take them aside and explain to them the hidden meaning of the parable. This is Jesus’ opportunity to explain principles of the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto this kind of example (parable) “a certain king, which would take account of his servants. At a time of reckoning, the certain king would call for an accounting of their deeds and actions.
The king began to reckon (call for an accounting) what was owed him. One of those who was brought to him at this time of reckoning owed him. He had an outstanding amount which must be dealt with. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought to him, who owed him ten thousand talents. This was HUGE, so much so that this was the largest number in their vocabulary of that day. That might be in today’s times perhaps millions and more. That subject brought to the certain king, didn’t have such a large amount to pay. His lord demanded a harsh settlement and commanded him to be sold, along with his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
The servant was beyond wroth and taken as what to do. In his distraught state, all he could think of was to beg for his life, the life of his wife and that of his children, because he didn’t want them all to be sold into slavery. What must I do? Therefore, having not able to think of any other solution to his dire problem, he fell down, and worshipped the king. He said, “Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything I owe you. 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 fellow servants, which owed him an hundred denarii: that was about a day’s wage. The servant who had been forgiven was merciless. Laid hands on his fellow servant, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that which you owe! And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants 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, you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? 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 everyone his brother their trespasses.
So, I asked myself, how could he escape to have no mercy on his fellow servant when clearly such mercy and forgiveness had been shown him. No telling how long he had been angry, jealous and resentful of the king. How long had he hated the king all along? Just look at him of how he missed his blessing by having a closed mind and heart and no love in his heart for others. He obviously never considered that his debt would ever have to be paid?? If we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven. In addition, consider the cost of a mean and unforgiving heart. Consider the consequences of anger and jealousy which are held in our hearts and harbored in our hearts for years and years. Pray to Jesus to be released from those spirits which hinder our progress here and at this time. Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent Today’s Fresh Start Charter School 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, LA 90043 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) Inquiring Minds Want to Know” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © The Holy Bible New Testament, Errors? Let me know. Sundays for music & message: 11:30am {1-712-775-8971—code 266751} Dr. Jeanette also writes a weekly column for The Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper Pray; always. Don’t stop praying and hoping. Reference: [Matthew 18:21-35]
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