Gospel of Matthew parable explores themes of mercy and forgiveness

The Gospel of Matthew (18:21-19:1) presents a parable regarding forgiveness and mercy. In the text, Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive a brother who sins against him, suggesting seven times. Jesus responds that one must forgive “seventy times seven.”

The parable describes a king who settles accounts with his servants. One servant, owing ten thousand talents, is unable to pay and is ordered to be sold along with his family. After the servant pleads for patience, the king shows compassion and forgives the entire debt. However, upon leaving, that same servant finds a fellow servant who owes him a small amount and refuses to show mercy, instead having him thrown into prison.

Upon learning this, the king condemns the first servant as “wicked,” noting that he should have shown the same mercy to his companion that was shown to him. The text concludes that the heavenly Father will act similarly toward those who do not forgive their brothers from the heart.