Matthew 18:23–27 (ESV) —
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
NOTE: The purpose of the story is to shed light on the idea of forgiveness. The parable is easy to understand. The king is God and we are the servants. The ten thousand talents is an unimaginable sum, especially for an ancient mind-set (millions, if not a trillion dollars). Selling people into slavery was a common way to pay off debt. In the Jewish world, the period of slavery was limited to seven years. Still, even slavery wouldn't begin to the pay debt. But far more amazing, the King cancels the debt and forgives the servant. This is grace, unearned and unmerited favor. The debt is huge … and this is our position before God. We might think we are "good" people but we do not recognize the depth of our sin or the wide gulf that exists between us and God. We are the ones with a debt that could never be paid. In tomorrow's quiet time, Jesus will challenge us with what our forgiveness really means to us.
PONDER:
- Do I truly understand how incredibly sinful I am before God?
- Do I just think I am basically a good guy -- if so, I do not understand salvation?
PRAYER: Father, thank you for a salvation so great and amazing. I admit to not understanding the depth of my sin and for thinking I am not so bad. I really do not understand grace. You are amazing … far beyond my imagination of mercy and grace. Thank you, THANK YOU for my salvation. I do not deserve this amazing gift from you.
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