S4E11: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Download this episode

In this episode we discuss the parable of the unforgiving servant from Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus speaks forcefully of divine mercy and forgiveness within the traditional Jewish apocalyptic expectations concerning the “settling of accounts” (v. 23). When this eschatological framework is marginalized or ignored, the gravity and impact of Jesus’ teaching concerning forgiveness is lost. 

Show notes

• The apocalyptic context of the parable: the day of judgment – Luke 7:40-42; Matthew 18:1, 7, 8, 9, 14 (5:12)
• Many of the details of this parable are not particularly allegorical (12:10)
• Understanding the debt – Luke 11:4; Luke 7:41-50 (20:39)
• Forgiveness in Judaism – Leviticus 19:18; Sirach 28:2; b. Rosh HaShanah 17b–18a (26:02)
• Lack of appreciation for the “settling of accounts” – Matthew 24:50; 25:19; Luke 16:2 (30:58)
• Jesus is not introducing a “new kingdom ethic” (36:14)