Welcome to week 25 of Weekly Word!
I hope you’ve been blessed by The Parables of Jesus series! How might our hearts be stirred and refreshed as we listen to the words of our Savior? Let’s keep reading, listening, and learning! This week, we’ll delve into the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Below, you’ll find your readings for this week, a short devotional to enjoy at the end of the week, along with discussion questions for your own reflection or community discussion.
Readings:
- Matthew 18:21–35
- Ruth 2
Devotional:
Readings: Matthew 18:21–35 | Ruth 2
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus tells of a servant who was forgiven a huge debt by a compassionate king, only to turn around immediately and show harshness and lack of mercy to a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount in comparison to his own. The king’s response after learning this news is rather severe, and highlights the importance of mercy that begets mercy and forgiveness that begets forgiveness.
Brothers and sisters, because God has chosen to cancel our massive debt of sin, we can turn toward forgiveness for those who wrong us.
Let’s be clear: forgiveness does not mean condoning harmful behavior, abuse, or pretending pain doesn’t exist. It doesn’t even mean full reconciliation with someone who has deeply wounded us. Rather, biblical forgiveness means releasing our grip on vengeance and turning the debt over to God, recognizing that a heart truly transformed by Christ’s mercy can and must freely share that same mercy with others.
Discussion Questions:
- Is there someone in your life against whom you are holding a debt compared to the massive debt of sin God has forgiven you for? What is preventing you from releasing that bitterness? Spend some time this week asking God to remind you of His mercy and help you release the burden to Him—He is able to help you forgive and trust Him for the healing.
- In Ruth 2, Boaz reflects the heart of God when he takes notice of a vulnerable, foreign widow gleaning in his field and extending extraordinary, unearned favor, protection, and provision to her. Who is someone in your workspace or community that God is asking you to notice this week?
Dig Deeper
How many times should we forgive someone? Peter asked Jesus this very question!
In this sermon from Antioch’s 2023 sermon series, “Parables,” Pastor Andy teaches on the parable of the unforgiving servant.
We are praying for you as you dig into God’s Word this week!