Parable of the Unjust Servant (Dealing with brothers in the kingdom’s work)

Matt 18:23  Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

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

25  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.

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

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

28  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.

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

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

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

32  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:

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

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

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

Sin of unforgiveness

Introduction: Matt 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I.  Things that precede this parable

1. Matt 18Whose the greatest,Verse 1, At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2. Offend not little ones, Verse 6, But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
3. Keep a forgiving heart, verse15  Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

16  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

17  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

4.  How often do we forgive, verse 21  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

II.  Now the Parable explained of the unjust servant

1. Take the initiative, Go to the brother, verse15   Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
2. If that doesn’t work, take a witnesses, verse16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
3. If that doesn’t work, take it to the church verse 17a  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church.
4. If that doesn’t work consider him a lost person, verse 17b but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Conclusion: The unjust servant wants to receive forgiveness but does not want to give it

Lu 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again

Romans 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay.