Matthew 18: 21-35 (NKJV)
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18: 21-35) holds powerful lessons for children:
- Forgiveness: Just as Jesus forgave us, we should forgive others. The servant in the story owed a huge debt, but his master forgave him. We learn that forgiveness is essential, even when someone hurts us.
- God’s Forgiveness: God forgives our sins, no matter how big or small. The parable reminds us that we all need forgiveness, and God’s grace is limitless.
- Unlimited Forgiveness: Jesus challenges us not to limit forgiveness. When someone wrongs us, we shouldn’t keep count or set a limit. Instead, we should extend forgiveness generously.
- Consequences of Unforgiveness: The unforgiving servant faced severe consequences when he refused to forgive a fellow servant. Children learn that harboring unforgiveness harms us and others.
Encourage children to embrace forgiveness, just as God forgives us, and to show kindness and grace to those around them
