“23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt... 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’… 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” – Mt. 18:23-35
This is probably the section of this prayer that is most often translated differently. In some versions it is translated as “debt/debtors,” others as “sins/sinners,” and still others as “trespasses/trespassers.” No matter how one translates this passage the focus is ultimately the same, the measure of mercy and grace we show and share is the measure we can expect from God.
To be honest, this is a tough lesson for us to learn. If the question was just forgiveness of sins/wrongs committed against us, it would seem easier. However, when we factor in the concept of the grace and mercy we show others, the issue seems tougher somehow. I know it is for me.
How many times have we heard or said, “I can never forgive so and so for that!” In essence we are asking that God show the same mercy to us. I don’t know about you, but that scares me and gives me reason to pause and reconsider how I relate to others. It also causes me to seriously think about why Christ lived and died for each of us.
The heart of Jesus’ earthly life was to assure us that God loves and cares for each and every one of us. He came to tell the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. In other words, he came to tell us that God has forgiven our sins and transgressions; shown us great mercy and grace, and we must likewise forgive those who have harmed us, demonstrating the grace and mercy we receive from God.
Gracious Lord, we are not worthy of your love or your kindness, yet you choose to forgive our debts. Help us to recognize the grace you show us and to share it with others as we forgive our debtors. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
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