In Matthew 18:21-35 the focus is on forgiveness, mercy, and the importance of compassion in interpersonal relationships.

The disciple Peter approaches Jesus with a question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Peter’s question reflects the common rabbinic teaching of the time, which suggested forgiving someone up to three times. Peter, perhaps seeking to show great magnanimity, suggests forgiving up to seven times, thinking he is being generous.

Jesus responds with a profound lesson on forgiveness, saying, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” This statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather emphasises limitless forgiveness. Jesus is teaching that forgiveness shouldn’t be constrained by a specific number but should be extended generously and without bounds.

To illustrate this point further, Jesus tells a parable about a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. In this parable, the king represents God, and the servants symbolise humanity. One servant owes the king an enormous debt, an amount so vast that he could never hope to repay it. The servant pleads for mercy and time to repay the debt. Astonishingly, the king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt, cancelling it completely.

However, the forgiven servant encounters another servant who owes him a relatively small sum of money. Instead of showing the same compassion he received, the forgiven servant seizes his fellow servant and demands payment. When the fellow servant begs for mercy and time to repay, the forgiven servant refuses and has him thrown into prison.

Upon hearing of this, the king is furious. He calls the forgiven servant back and chastises him for not showing the same mercy he had received. The king then has the unforgiving servant thrown into prison until he can repay the massive debt he owed.

The parable concludes with Jesus delivering a powerful message: “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” This message underscores the importance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. Just as God forgives our sins, Christians are called to extend forgiveness to others.

This passage is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, teaching believers to forgive as they have been forgiven by God and to approach forgiveness with a generous and compassionate heart.